ABOUT US
The Heritage Association of South Africa is the voice of conservation bodies from around the country dedicated to conserving the national estate. With our roots in the Simon van der Stel Foundation, we are the largest and oldest conservation lobby group in South Africa. We are guided by our Constitution.
Our values
We hold that heritage plays an important role in national prosperity and well-being.
We believe that change to the historic environment requires careful management.
We stand for accountability in the management of the national estate.
We promote scientific inquiry and research.
We are committed to the values of the Constitution of South Africa and the National Heritage Resources Act.
Our objectives
- To be dedicated to the principles and objectives of South African heritage legislation
- To advocate and promote the need for the conservation of the heritage resources
- To provide a national perspective and collective opinion on matters of conservation of heritage resources
- To recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations to the cause of heritage
What we do
The Heritage Association of South Africa carries out a number of roles and functions:
- It provides forums and other means of communication to share information and knowledge.
- It represents and advocates on behalf of our associates at a national level.
- It monitors, assesses and acts upon issues of national import that may have an impact on the conservation of the national estate.
- It promotes and fosters public appreciation, understanding and knowledge of our shared heritage.
- It offers expertise and knowledge in support of our associates.
Projects
Blue plaques
The Simon van der Stel Foundation spearheaded the introduction of blue plaques in South Africa. Continuing this legacy, the Heritage Association of South Africa sponsors the erection of blue plaques in host towns of the annual Heritage Symposium. When you see a blue plaque, take a photo and share it on social media using the hashtag #BluePlaquesSA. In this manner, you can help us build a database of blue plaques in South Africa. Include the physical address of the site in your post so that we can find it.
Restorica
Restorica was the official publication of the Simon van der Stel Foundation. The publication focused on historical buildings, antique furniture, works of art, historic documents, Africana, period building materials and antique vehicles. In partnership with the University of Pretoria, the 30 volumes of Restorica, published between 1975 and 1998, have been digitised and made accessible via the University’s online repository. Visit the UP Repository to search the collection.
Our associates
Gauteng
Alberton Heritage Society
To promote and participate in the preservation and restoration of Alberton’s structural, natural and cultural heritage.
Website: www.albertonheritage.co.za
Email: info@albertonheritage.co.za
Egoli Heritage Foundation
Advocates for the protection of the heritage of Johannesburg and surrounds.
Email: heritage@placematters.co.za
Heidelberg Heritage Association
Heritage of Heidelberg and the preservation thereof.
Email: heritageheidelberg@gmail.com
Johannesburg Heritage Foundation
Aims to protect the rich and varied heritage of Johannesburg and its associated social history, for the use and enjoyment of both current and future generations.
Website: www.joburgheritage.org.za
Email: mail@joburgheritage.co.za
Mpumalanga
Middelburg Erfenis / Heritage
Heritage conservation awareness and documentation of our area.
Email: petronel28@gmail.com
Mpumalanga Heritage
This is a group for members or those interested in Mpumalanga Heritage.
Email: linda@klcbt.co.za
Northern Cape
Marina Beal, Richmond
Preserving the Karoo through the restoration of buildings using the actual materials they were built with.
Email: beal@vodamail.co.za
Western Cape
Cape Town Heritage Trust
Concerned with the conservation and enhancement of the man-made and natural environment.
Website: www.heritage.org.za
Email: ctht@heritage.org.za
Drakenstein Heritage Foundation
The Conservation of Paarl and surrounds’ built heritage.
Email: dhfheritage@gmail.com
Simon van der Stel Foundation (Cape Town)
Preservation of national cultural heritage, which includes buildings, sites, squares and objects.
Website: www.simonvdstel.org
Email: simonvdstel@outlook.com
Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation / Erfenis Stigting
Promotes sustainable conservation, architecture and urban design in and around Stellenbosch.
Website: www.stellenboschheritage.co.za
Email: info@stellenboschheritage.co.za
Swellendam Heritage Association
Actively promotes heritage conservation in the Swellendam area.
Website: www.swellendamheritage.org.za
Email: info@swellendamheritage.org.za
Tulbagh Valley Heritage Foundation
Focusses on the pre-WWI built heritage of the Tulbagh Valley.
Email: jayson@cdq.co.za
2019/20 Council
The national council of the Heritage Association of South Africa is made up of elected representatives from across the country.
Jacques Stoltz, chairperson (Egoli Heritage Foundation)
Len Raymond (Drakenstein Heritage Foundation)
Jayson Augustyn-Clark (Tulbagh Valley Heritage Foundation)
Carol Podd (Swellendam Heritage Association)
Beverley-Ann Small (Alberton Heritage Society)
Herbert Prins, co-opted (Egoli Heritage Foundation)
Twin Mosia (Elandskop Museum)
Marius Bakkes (Mpumalanga Heritage)
Tony Burisch (Heidelberg Heritage Association)
Dr Judy Maguire, ex officio (Prince Albert Heritage Association)