September is Heritage Month, and Eikestadnuus asked the Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation how it has defined the concept.
The foundation sees heritage as the cultural and natural legacies received from years, decades, centuries and millennia. It is also how a nation lives, does, builds and breaks in the present moment, and what is passed on to future generations. This definition underscores South Africa’s National Heritage Resources Act and how global heritage institutions promote heritage.
The country’s heritage includes the palaeolithic stone tools from the Stone Age found at Steenenbrug at Bosman’s Crossing and the cultural heritage of the Khoi people who lived in this area.
From the previous century, the pine forests became invasive aliens, while the oak trees lined streets. Heritage is the cultural separation created by built neighbourhoods. It is also the re-use of religious and cultural buildings to reunite people.
Furthermore, it is adjusting existing roads to include safe walk-and cycle-ways that ensure environmentally safe and healthy forms of transport.
It is also meetings and plans to design and redesign neighbourhoods in ways that encourage integrated socio-economic and cultural communities in future.
The Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation has been an independent non-profit organisation since soon after 1959, when Erika Theron ensured road builders do not demolish historic buildings on one side of Dorp Street for a highway through the town.
In 1966, Anton Rupert also established Historiese Huise and, to a significant degree, saved what is now accepted as part of the distinctive character of Stellenbosch.
Heritage is dynamic and the foundation has broadened its focus with time. However, it still believes heritage can be a spark that lights innovation.
Accessible heritage sparks joy in discovery and understanding. It can weave different strands of a multicultural society together and support individual and collective identities. Tourism and heritage promote financial growth.
Next month other local heritage-related topics will be explored, such as the tension among development, heritage and gentrification.
. The Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation aims to lead the conversation on heritage in the Stellenbosch area through a series of monthly columns in Eikestadnuus. To comment or make suggestions on matters to be discussed, send an email to chairperson@stellenboschheritage.co.za.
