The historic ferry (or pont) across the Breede river at Malgas, near Swellendam, has been in operation for more than 100 years. It is probably the oldest, and only, manually operated cross-river ferry in all of South Africa. Here in the Overberg it is as part of our heritage as biltong, red wine, or a weekend braai. It is also an important tourist attraction, and underlines the uniqueness of our region.
Provincial and regional government have inexplicably decided to remove this historic pont and replace it with an ugly motorised plastic version! By all accounts this has been decided without any consultation with local inhabitants, or even the local government authority in Swellendam.
The unilateral termination of the historic and unique Malgas ferry amounts to the destruction of an important heritage resource, and damages the tourism potential of the entire Overberg.
It is probably in conflict with the National Heritage Resources Act, No.25 of 1999, and should be opposed by all South Africans who cherish our collective heritage, the rule of law, and accountable and transparent government!
Please help us save the historic Malgas ferry by directly appealing to the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, and the Mayor of the District Municipality, Sakkie Franken.
Disclaimer: Any views expressed by individuals and organisations are their own and do not in any way represent the views of The Heritage Portal.