The neglect and condition of the Horwood’s Farm farmhouse, also referred to as the homestead, has often been questioned by the public and residents of Edenvale.
Ms Sharon Lendrum-Frittelli, the founder of Friends of Horwood’s Farm, said the farmhouse is the only recognised heritage site in Edenvale.
“It is an important part of Edenvale’s history and heritage. Over the years, the deterioration of the property has become evident,” she said.
A brass plaque that commemorated the handover of the farm to council has been taken off the wall, windows have been broken and years of neglect has led to the building falling apart.
According to Ms Lendrum-Frittelli, council hopes for a private individual to rent the park from them and manage the park as well.
According to the ward 18 councillor, Clr Heather Hart, “not much has changed”.
“The homestead is still deteriorating. The park itself is not being properly maintained and if it was not for the efforts of the Friends of Horwood’s Farm, I hate to think what this landmark, provincial heritage site would look like,” said Clr Hart.
“Considering it is probably the oldest standing building in Edenvale, the neglect of it by parks and corporate services before and real estate now is nothing short of criminal.”
She said, “Our heritage department is indeed as concerned as we are. However, they do not have the funds to restore it and although they have also put pressure on real estate to do so, real estate’s answer to the problem was to rather lease it out and make it someone else’s problem.”
“The potential is there, we need the council to do something. Nobody is taking accountability,” said Ms Lendrum-Frittelli.
A request for comment was sent to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on April 20 and again on April 25.
Comment was requested by latest, April 28 at 9am. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
