FAK and HF join hands to ‘save’ historical landmarks

Local residents are concerned about the dilapidated state of Vryheid’s historical landmarks. And it was good timing too, since September is Heritage Month. André van Ellinckhuyzen has contacted the ‘Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge’ (FAK) to get their opinion on the neglect of these landmarks in town. The FAK is a non-profit, non-governmental Afrikaans cultural organisation that was founded in 1929. At first, their main imperative was the maintenance of the Afrikaans language. But they have since joined hands with the Heritage Foundation (HF) to help towns save their heritage.

After André heard a podcast on the radio, he said that, “‘n Kort ruk gelede luister ek na ‘n gesprek op RSG tussen Mariëtta Kruger en ‘n man genaamd Henk Maree. Dié gesprek handel oor die rol van die FAK in werk om druk op die Vrystaat se Provinsiale Regering te plaas ten einde die Ou Presidensie in Bloemfontein te red van vergaan. Net daar stop ek langs die pad en begin vir Henk Maree soek. ‘n Kort rukkie later is ek in gesprek met die man. Wat wonderlik is, is dat nadat Henk my pleidooi aangehoor het, daar nie vanaf hom ‘n ‘um’ of ‘n ‘aa’ gehoor is nie, maar wel net ‘n onvoorwaardelike ‘André, ons kom Vryheid toe’.” The FAK agreed to André’s plea and they also contacted the Heritage Foundation, which is an independent, non-profit, section 21 company with the aim of saving neglected heritage resources from destruction, especially those that are of significance to the Afrikaans-speaking section of the South African community.

Together, these two entities visited Vryheid’s most important landmarks to determine the seriousness of the neglect of the Klipkerk, Raadsaal and the Lucas Meijer Huis, as well as a few other historical buildings and sites. Later in the day, they had a meeting with Director of Community Services Mr Xaba, which resulted in Xaba undertaking that he would draw up documents regarding the ‘saving’ of these buildings that would be discussed in a future meeting with them. After this meeting, Xaba would present the documents and the way forward to council for approval. He has also asked for a letter from André to request the removal of the ossewa that is currently behind the Raadsaal. André has found someone who is willing to restore the ossewa, which is currently covered by a canopy that has fallen onto it. They are currently awaiting feedback from Xaba regarding this. In the meantime, the FAK and HF are waiting for the outcome from council before they take further steps to save these heritage sites.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.

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