Grahamstown’s Old Gaol in Somerset Street, which is nearly 200 years old, is still waiting for its long-promised facelift.
Grahamstown’s Old Gaol in Somerset Street, which is nearly 200 years old, is still waiting for its long-promised facelift.
The Gaol, which has accommodated backpackers, convicts and hangmen during the two centuries since it was built, now houses a matric school and a set of offices.
Almost exactly a year ago the South African Heritage Resource Association (Sahra) took over the building from Brian Peltason, who had rented the place for the previous 13 years.
During the time of his lease it was used as a backpackers hostel and a bar. Then Peltason and Sahra fell out over maintenance of the place and his lease was not renewed.
At that time – August 2010 – Sahra promised that the building would be properly repaired, but since then nothing has happened and Grahamstown’s oldest heritage site looks miserable and unloved.
Outside, Lungi's Stall offers vegetables to passers-by. Ferns and grass grow through cracks in the walls and the steps.
Going through changes
But while the building is unchanged, the name has been upgraded. Now it’s officially called the Centre of Research, Training and Education and there are plans to use it for educating people who work with heritage sites, including provincial heritage resources authorities and local municipalities.
Speaking from his office in the old jail building, Thanduxolo Lungile, manager of the centre, said it was "technically under construction". However, because it is a national heritage site, the centre needs to apply for a permit from Sahra to restore the building.
“These processes are not cut and dried,” said Lungile, explaining why it was taking so long to start renovations. Lungile said the project would cost more than R500 million and the centre would thus also need to follow procurement procedures in terms of the National Treasury regulations.
He estimated that the renovations would take about 18 months, once all the red tape had been gone through. The restoration would be funded by the Department of Arts and Culture.
Members of the Grahamstown community have expressed discontent and a feeling of loss about Sahra’s decision to end Peltason's lease and the long delay in renovating the building.
The old Old Gaol
Once a vibrant backpackers hostel, known as the Old Gaol, and loved by many people in South Africa and abroad, it was frequented by students, artists and travellers alike.
The old prison was a popular venue because of its eclectic mix of cultures and nationalities.
The history of the place added to its charm – people slept in the cells, and the fact that hangings had been carried out in the jail made it even more exciting.
Now the vibe has gone. Instead its front door stands open weekdays, revealing a small yellow room with a telephone kiosk and five locked wooden doors. Behind one of them works Lungile.
Another leads to the Gadra matric school, offering full-time studies for people who want to upgrade their marks or finish Grade 12.
Grocott’s Mail asked Peltason how he felt about what was happening at the site, said it was very sad that the backpackers was closed down, but he had moved on to new ventures.
Gabriela Falanga, once an employee at the Old Gaol and who was involved in the failed campaign to save the backpackers, believes that when the building was still a buzzing social hub, visitors could use the property and learn about it.
“It’s heartbreaking that a place with such an incredible and interesting history has been standing empty and left to deteriorate,” she said.
