The rich heritage of Joburg East

September is Heritage Month and throughout the month we celebrate the beauty and diversity of our country.

The EXPRESS visited the city’s heritage sites in Region F to observe the rich history of the area.

Also read: Enjoy Heritage Month with Modderfontein Conservation Society

Since 2003, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has been identifying historical buildings, sites and other pieces of history, by means of blue heritage plaques.

The CoJ deputy director of media relations, Nthatisi Modingoane, said the blue plaques send out a statement about the importance of a site.

Also read: Heritage Day celebrated at Sacred Heart College

“History is what gives the city and its people a shared identity. It tells us about those who came before us, and how we came to be where we are. An appreciation of history and heritage also helps to enrich our experience of the city,” said Modingoane.

“The blue plaque is an internationally recognised heritage symbol and they have a familiar pattern with a bright blue background and white lettering. The addition of Johannesburg City branding brings a mark of recognition from the local authority,” he said.

“The plaques stand out as badges of honour and as marks of recognition conferred by the city authorities,” explained Modingoane.

The Joburg heritage plaques are made from a variety of materials. In the past it was ceramic.

Now the city uses a moulded resin composite, which is tough and vandal-proof.

“The city relies on research and information from different sources. Some of the information comes from professional heritage surveys which are commissioned by the CoJ. We also rely on research which is done in-house by officials from the Directorate of Arts and Culture. The city finds information in reference books and other published sources, archival research, interviews and site visits.

“In addition, much heritage information is available online. The city benefits from information supplied by heritage organisations, community groups and members of the public,” said Modingoane.

He said after a plaque has been put up, it is the responsibility of the community or individuals to look after the site.

“Heritage sites are often privately owned. You could have a historic church which is owned by a religious organisation. In such cases, the owners are responsible for maintaining their properties.”

The Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PHRA), located in the Gauteng Provincial Government, also has an important role to play in heritage management.

“The PHRA is the legally constituted heritage authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Heritage Resources Act,” said Modingoane.

He emphasised the importance of looking after the heritage sites.

“Public awareness is very important for protecting these sites, as people are more likely to look after what they value. Owners of heritage properties have a special responsibility to help conserve these sites,” said Modingoane.

The EXPRESS visited four sites: Fairview Fire Station, Gandhi Family House, David Webster House and the Baptist Church in Troyeville.

According to the Heritage Portal, Fairview Fire Station was completed in 1906.

It has a 45-metre high tower which was used to look out to spot fires before telecommunications. The station was rebuilt in the early 1980s and only the watchtower was kept.

It is the only remaining fire tower in Joburg and the highest of a group of towers in the area.

The Gandhi Family House at 11 Albermarle Street, Troyeville, was declared as a Provincial Heritage site, based on a nomination from the city.

The Heritage Portal reports the eight-room house was home to Mohandas Gandhi from 1904 to 1906.

He lived with his wife Kasturba and sons Manilal, Ramdas and Devdas. He also shared the home with his friend and colleague in his law office Henry Polak.

David Webster lived at 13 Eleanor Street, Troyeville. Webster, an anthropologist and activist, lived there from 1986 until his assassination on May 1, 1989.

He co-founded the Five Freedom Forum, formed as a home for white people in the struggle for democracy.

He was gunned down outside his house by an agent of the apartheid regime.

He played a leading role in the Detainees Parents Support Committee, the United Democratic Front and affiliated organisations.

According to the Heritage Portal, the Baptist Church of Troyeville in Op de Bergen Street was founded in 1897.

It was a small wood and iron building known as The Tin Tabernacle.

The present building was built in 1909 and designed by architect Alan Monsbourgh.

The spire, by MacDonald Sinclair, was erected in 1911 and is an interesting combination of a cross and a Star of David.

The plaque was erected to mark the church’s 120th anniversary in 2017.

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