Jozi is a fast moving, vibrant and energetic melting pot with much change taking place around us all the time. It is within this hurly burly of a city with its mining origins, established in 1886, that much history has been laid down. The strongest of this is Jozi’s strong architectural heritage representing many decades of prosperous and challenging times, economically and politically.

It is inevitable that in this fast moving environment there will be people and institutions who will not stick to the rules, through ignorance or otherwise. As a result, Illegal demolition and construction, illegal land uses, combined with overcrowding, derelict buildings and inappropriate and insensitive developments in many instances are impacting negatively on the residential environments and heritage resources of many neighbourhoods in Johannesburg. Structures older than 60 years, i.e. constructed before 1956, are protected by the National Heritage Resources Act and any changes to these buildings are required to be approved by the Provincial Heritage Resource Authority of Gauteng (PHRAG).

To address these issues the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation together with various residents’ associations and representatives has formed the Joint Plans Committee East to facilitate applications for alteration, addition or demolition to heritage properties in the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg. The committee aims to improve the monitoring and protecting of heritage resources in these neighbourhoods to assist residents and professionals in complying with the National Heritage Resources Act and the National Building Regulations. The objectives of the JPCE include the promotion of sustainable developments that benefit the wider community while also respecting existing neighbourhood structures and characters. The JPCE, a committee of volunteers, is chaired by Dr Alexandra Parker and currently has representatives (both residents and built environment professionals) from the following areas: Orange Grove, Fairwood, Mountain View, Norwood, Orchards, The Gardens, Cheltondale, Maryvale, Observatory, Upper Houghton, Yeoville, Bellevue, Bellevue East, Melrose, Melrose Estate, Birdhaven, Kensington, Malvern, Troyeville, Bezuidenhout Valley and Modderfontein. The committee invites residents, architects or planners in these areas to engage with us regarding proposals for alteration, addition or demolition to properties in these areas. By working together the committee is able to assist areas with fewer resources and to provide constructive comments on applications and neighbourhood issues. The ultimate aim is to continue to create neighbourhoods that benefit all in the community while honouring the city’s diverse heritage and vision for the future.

The JPCE meets once a month to review applications in all areas. Applications or enquiries should be sent to alexandramaryparker@gmail.com. Also, should anyone be interested and believe they have skills which would benefit the JPCE vision, please contact Dr Alex Parker on the above e-mail. By working together we can ensure that in another 130 years, Johannesburg’s cityscape reflects its diverse histories.

Press release issued 26 November 2016