HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
OF SOUTH AFRICA
We see a South Africa that celebrates and protects its interwoven past to the betterment of all our people.
Who we are
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. While the Simon van der Stel Foundation originally focused on the conservation of historic, colonial architecture, we’ve grown our focus over the past three decades to include cultural heritage in all its diverse forms and from across the country’s diverse communities.
An endangered heritage
South Africa has a rich and diverse cultural heritage spanning millennia. However, two decades after the enactment of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999), heritage conservation is languishing in a deeply compromised state. The South African Heritage Resources Agency has faced consecutive leadership crises, with only KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape having a semblance of coherent provincial policy and institutional capacities in place, as envisaged in the Act, while not a single municipality has the mandated competency to manage local heritage. Various other provisions of the Act have similarly not been fulfilled. These are some of the challenges that the Heritage Association of South Africa seeks to overcome.
Our mission
To be a respected and independent voice advocating for the research, promotion and conservation of the national estate.
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.
LATEST NEWS
Komatiite: 50th Anniversary field trip
Komatiite: 50th Anniversary Geoheritage Field Trip to Barberton Bookings are now open for the Komatiite 50th Anniversary Geoheritage Field Trip to Barberton. This trip will take place 26-29 September 2019 and is limited to 33 people. The trip will cost R3 000 for a...
Tulbagh hosts heritage symposium
Tulbagh hosts heritage symposium to commemorate 50 years of reconstruction after 1969 quake Fifty years after the devastation of Tulbagh by an earthquake in 1969, heritage lovers will descend on the historic Boland town to celebrate its dedication to...
Historical research: a guide for communities
There are two different – and complimentary – approaches to take when doing historical research. These are: Primary research which would typically entail doing interviews with community elders, interviews with subject matter specialists, archival research, site visits...
SOCIAL MEDIA
Why Heritage?
The Constitution enshrines the right to a healthy and protected environment. Everyone has the right to have the environment protected through, among others, the promotion of heritage conservation.
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Address
Postnet Suite #63, Private Bag X7, Parkview, 2122
Email Us
info@heritagesa.org