It is an accepted fact, globally, that heritage is an important aspect in the promotion of tourism. Old buildings, implements and work spaces create an ambience that cannot easily be replicated by modern buildings.  The Waterfront in Cape Town is a good example of this. It is a great pity that the tourism potential of the Southern Cape is being detrimentally affected by the destruction of so many of the irreplaceable structures that have given the area its unique character. Unfortunately, the perpetrator is often our own government, on different levels.

Section 1 of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 states unequivocally: "This Act binds the State". It is stated again in Section 4(1) that this act "...also applies to the actions of the State and a local authority".

This means, inter alia, that no national government department or local authority may alter or demolish a structure or part of a structure older than sixty years without a permit, or give permission for it to be done.

One of the steps that heritage authorities can take when the law is not being adhered to, is to stop work on such a building or heritage site by way of a Stop-work order.  During February 2017 a national government department obtained the services of a contractor to work on the Seven Passes Road between George and Knysna. A section of the road is a heritage site. Since the work was done without the prescribed permit, a Stop-work order was issued.

This is mentioned to illustrate how heritage can be preserved. But actions to prevent damage is dependent on the awareness and interest of the general public and actions by voluntary conservation groups. By being involved in such an organization, each one of us  can make a direct contribution to the conservation of our heritage.

Provision is made for conservation bodies to register with the provincial heritage authority, in this case Heritage Western Cape (HWC). Registered conservation bodies are consulted in all cases where applications are made to alter or demolish buildings older than 60 years.

Registration involves some responsibilities and activities and must be renewed annually. Organisations whose primary field of interest is not heritage conservation sometimes find it cumbersome to register for the limited number of cases where they have to deal with the protection of heritage.  The Simon van der Stel Foundation is a regional organisation and is registered for the region that includes the Garden Route, the Little Karoo and a big part of the Great Karoo. Organisations with a local focus, both registered and unregistered, such as historical and archaeological societies, library committees, rate payers associations, or individuals, are invited to liaise on issues of heritage with the Foundation at any time. The Foundation has some experience and capacity. Through co-operation, without affecting the local organisation's autonomy, we can join forces and give mutual support. The views of local oganisations will be conveyed, in line with prescribed procedures, to the Western Cape government. The chairpersons and/or members of local organisations are more than welcome to attend meetings of the Simon van der Stel Foundation. If addresses are provided, invitations will be forwarded.

A membership application is attached. I would appreciate your renewing your membership and updating it. Please return it to:  natiedes@telkomsa.net

The Foundation is planning some interesting heritage outings again this year. You will be duly informed.