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
Eastern Cape
Mandela Bay Heritage Trust
We, the Mandela Bay Heritage Trust (MBHT), are a small group in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro made up of Architects, Historians, Designers and other interested parties that combined afford the Metro a wealth of experience with built heritage matters. Our principal aims are to preserve built heritage and educate the citizens of the Metro regarding built heritage, its value to us and why it is important.
Website: www.mbht.co.za
Email: info@mbht.co.za
The Border Historical Society
The Border Historical Society’s aims: 1) To promote interest in the history of East London and the Eastern Cape of South Africa, 2) To identify historical buildings and heritage sites, and to gather all available information concerning them for purposes of record and preservation, 3) To be aware of the important primary sources of information on local history and encourage these to be lodged in a recognised archive, 4) Publish a bi-annual journal, The Coelacanth, 5) To collect and record the memories and reminiscences of local inhabitants, 6) To organise visits to places of historical interest, 7) To organise lectures on matters of historical interest, 8) To mount a protest in the event of any historic site or building being threatened with destruction, and 9) To establish contact with existing societies pursuing similar interests and to encourage the establishment of affiliated societies.
Email: gordoncampbell76@gmail.com
The Owl House Foundation
The objective of the Foundation is to protect, preserve, conserve, maintain and promote “The Owl House”.
Website: www.theowlhouse.co.za
Email: chair@theowlhouse.co.za
Free State
Elandskop Museum
Heritage, cultural and environmental conservation, research and museum services.
Email: twinmosia98@gmail.com
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
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. The Foundation maintains a library and a research resource centre on all things related to Johannesburg history at the Holy Family College in Parktown.
Website: www.joburgheritage.org.za
Email: mail@joburgheritage.co.za
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban Art Deco Society
Conservation of Art Deco and other heritage architecture
Website: www.durbandeco.org.za
Email: info@durbandeco.org.za
Limpopo
Bela Bela Heritage
Historical heritage society for Bela Bela (incorporating, Modimolle/Nysltroom, Mookgopong/Naboomspruit, Vaalwater and Pienaarsriver).
Email: vanniekerkjohan5@gmail.com
University of Venda
The University of Venda celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2022
Website: www.univen.ac.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
Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association
Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association is a non-profit organisation (041-230-NPO) whose mission is “to engage in the conservation, rehabilitation and protection of the natural environment in the Wakkerstroom area.“ This association has undertaken, and is continuing to undertake, a variety of initiatives to enhance the conservation status of the area.
Website: www.wakkerstroom.co.za/wakkerstroom-natural-heritage-association/
North West
Greater Marico Heritage Group
Kedar Heritage Lodge
Kedar encompasses a collection of unique historic buildings and offers a fascinating insight into Paul Kruger’s life at a time when South Africa was locked in a struggle for sovereignty with the British Empire
Website: www.kedar.co.za
Email: kedaradmin@rali.co.za
Magaliesberg Association for Culture & Heritage
MACH aims to disseminate and protect the culture and heritage of The Magaliesberg, from Pretoria to Rustenburg.
Website: www.magaliesbergheritage.co.za
Email: info@machbookings.co.za
Western Cape
Barry House on Riverton – Living Museum
Custodian of the Barry & Nephews family heritage in Robertson and the Overberg. It is home to the 1859 SS Kadie brass bell and a Barry & Nephews promissory note. A living museum, it also serves as a guest house with rooms that are a replication of a bygone era albeit with modernised bathrooms.
Website: www.rivertonstud.co.za/heritage/history-of-robertson/
Email: info@rivertonstud.co.za
Cape Town Family History Society
The Cape Town Family History Society is an open Society for anyone interested in their family who lived in or around Cape Town and its suburbs.
Email: davidslingsby@telkomsa.net
Cape Town Heritage Foundation
Preservation of Cape Town’s cultural heritage, which includes buildings, sites, squares and objects.
Website: www.simonvdstel.org
Email: simonvdstel@outlook.com
Drakenstein Heritage Foundation
The Conservation of Paarl and surrounds’ built heritage.
Email: dhfheritage@gmail.com
Prince Albert Cultural Foundation ~ Kultuurstigting
To conserve and improve the cultural life of the entire community of Prince Albert.
Email: paculturalfoundation@gmail.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
Individual associates
Herman Solomon, Erfenis Group, heritagebimrsa@gmail.com, Paarl
H P Architects Helene Potgieter, hpa@mwebbiz.co.za
2022/23 Council
The national council of the Heritage Association of South Africa is made up of elected representatives from across the country.
Prof Kathy Munro, chairperson (Johannesburg Heritage Foundation) / Daniel Smit (Drakenstein Heritage Foundation) / Carol Podd (Swellendam Heritage Association) / Beverley-Ann Small (Alberton Heritage Society) / Twin Mosia (Elandskop Museum) / Duncan Ballantyne (Mpumalanga Heritage) / Tony Burisch (Heidelberg Heritage Association) / Lauren Buchanan (Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation / Erfenis Stigting) / Dr Judy Maguire (Prince Albert Cultural Foundation) / Mike Benn (Magaliesberg Association for Culture & Heritage) / Petronel Fourie (Middelburg Erfenis/Heritage) / Donald Davies (Durban Art Deco Society)