Grahamstown is caught between the modern race for expansion and the need to protect its historic and significant buildings. It is home to more than 70 declared National Heritage sites, a vestige of its rich and tumultuous past as the oldest town established by the British in South Africa.
Grahamstown is caught between the modern race for expansion and the need to protect its historic and significant buildings. It is home to more than 70 declared National Heritage sites, a vestige of its rich and tumultuous past as the oldest town established by the British in South Africa.
There are more than a hundred religious buildings scattered around the City of Saints, along with a range of other historical sites, like Grahamstown’s oldest building, Yellow House, which was erected in 1813 as the town’s first prison.
These historical buildings remain an important aspect of the town but as the population grows and new businesses are established, they could be lost to the real estate market and become yet another mushrooming apartment block.
But these treasures of the past are protected by the National Resources Act, which says any building that has been declared a National Heritage is automatically part of the national estate and may not be defaced, altered or destroyed.
This umbrella does not, however, extend to buildings or structures that have not been declared. To counter this, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) has made the provision to prohibit anyone from either altering or demolishing a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit.
These permits are issued by the provincial heritage resources authority and if it is refused then steps must be taken to consider it as a heritage site.
The Old Gaol in Somerset Street is one local building that has been at the centre of much debate in recent years. It is the second oldest building in town and there are concerns about its future as Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile announced plans to change the building in May this year.
“After having reclaimed this site, we (SAHRA) are now ready to renovate and refurbish the jail and transform it into a Centre for heritage training,” Mashatile had said, and while many are glad that the Old Gaol isn't wasting away, there are fears that renovations will alter the integrity of the building, detracting from its historical importance.
Hopefully the original building will survive to continue silently showing visitors tales of its past, as well as the numerous significant others in our beautiful piece of the Eastern Cape.
