Johannesburg Heritage Foundation makes great strides during 2021
Forging full-steam ahead despite opposition has been the way of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation during 2021.
Despite the many challenges resulting from Covid-19 restrictions, the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has had a very successful 2021 and is looking forward to an even better 2022.
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation highlights of 2021, provided by board member David Fleminger, include:
1. Tours
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is best known for its popular and diverse programme of guided walking tours, led by local experts. These tours had to be curtailed due to the various lockdown restrictions. However, a series of virtual tours (run over Zoom) was initiated to keep up the momentum. These virtual tours have both expanded the geographical reach of the foundation (with many people joining in from all over the world) and allowed those who are less physically active to get involved. Going forward, the foundation will continue to offer selected virtual tours into next year. Recordings of past virtual tours are also available through the foundation’s website.
Fortunately, with the reduction of lockdown to the current Level 1, walking tours recently resumed (with some Covid-related restrictions). A full programme for walking tours for the first quarter 2022 will be released shortly on its website and social media pages.
School tours and bus tours will resume sometime next year, when lockdown restrictions permit.
2. New website
Following months of work, a new Johannesburg Heritage Foundation website is about to be launched. This updated platform has a modern look with greatly improved navigation that allows visitors to explore the many facets of the foundation. Additional functionality will include online bookings for tours, online membership application and renewal, searchable databases and other invaluable resources for anyone interested in the foundation and its activities.
3. Restorations
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is currently working on two major restoration projects, funded by grants administered through the foundation.
The Orange Grove Waterfall project, initiated by Brett McDougall, seeks to clean up and reclaim the beautiful but little-known waterfall between Louis Botha Avenue and Houghton Drive.
The site has been neglected for several decades and work has now begun to clear weeds, rubbish and invasive species, funded by the foundation. Once the initial clearing has been completed, the team will be working with landscapers and gardeners to establish an attractive and accessible public space where people can admire this perennial water feature.
Public participation will be necessary to ensure the ongoing maintenance of this site. Visit the Friends of Orange Grove Waterfall Facebook page for more information.
4. Blue Plaques
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation Blue Plaques programme identifies important historical sites around the city and awards them with a prestigious Blue Plaque that outlines and promotes their significance. “In 2021, we installed about 20 Blue Plaques honouring sites and personalities as diverse as theatre great Gibson Kente, architects Hermann Kallenbach and Gerald Gordon, St. Mary’s School, Villa Mayfair, the original Nando’s restaurant, several historical houses in Westcliff and Soweto, apartment blocks in Rosebank and Killarney, and many others,” he said.
“In 2022, we aim to install another 40 blue plaques. Local communities are encouraged to nominate new sites for Blue Plaque status and can reach the foundation through the website.”
Details: www.joburgheritage.org.za
ALSO READ:
