Napedia, an online community information repository, is aimed to be the encyclopaedia of the Northern Areas.

Storytelling, especially narrating the history and lived experiences of cultural groups, is a sociological and anthropological phenomenon. When the term story-telling is mentioned, one pictures an elderly person narrating the history of her people to younger children around a fire. This form of storytelling is an integral advancement of information concerning a cultural group. However, there are multiple ways of telling these stories and we will explore these mediums. Napedia through the Northern Areas community will become a leading and innovative approach to telling the story of the people.

What is the story of the Northern Areas? How has it been narrated and where can we find documentation, images and videos concerning the area? Who are the notable persons and personalities, who live and have lived in the Northern Areas and how is the Northern Areas portrayed by the media?  Who can tell its stories? What are its people’s opinions? And how can their voices be heard? What type of businesses are there and where can we get their details? What events will be taking place in our area? Through the people Napedia, will answer all of this and much more.

Home to historical significant sites such Van Der Kemps Kloof and David Livingstone Cottage, The Northern Areas, like the name suggests is situated in the north of Port Elizabeth. It has a rich history, a unique story and fascinating peoples. Geographically, it stretches from Korsten to Booysens Park while Bethelsdorp and Malabar make up the peripheral.

Historically, The Northern Areas was (and to large degree) remains predominantly a Coloured and Indian Area. Prior to Apartheid, Bethelsdorp was an important mission station and the resident to the Khoi peoples. Spread over dozens of suburbs Census 2011 notes that there are just under 300 000 people living  in the Northern Areas.

Vision statement: NAPEDIA will be a pioneering model on how a community’s complete story is narrated

Mission

1. Information concerning the Northern Area to be gathered and centralized on an online library/ website
2. Analyse and draft reports from data gathered
3. Instill a sense of identity and pride in the Northern Areas
4. Create a unique story telling model that may be replicated in other communities