Timbershed Plettenberg Bay via David Rowe – circa 2015
Every time South Africa loses a heritage site, a part of our history and our culture is lost, as well as the possibility of understanding something new about our past. South Africa’s top ten most endangered sites speak of the fragility of our shared national heritage. Whether they are precious archaeological sites, living cultural landscapes, early commercial industrial sites, colonial edifices or working class residential areas, the tenuousness of their survival is palatable in the submissions that were evaluated. The Most Endangered Cultural Heritage Sites campaign is an annual initiative of the Heritage Monitoring Project (HMP) and the Heritage Association of South Africa to identify and raise awareness of cultural heritage sites that are at significant risk from natural or manmade forces.
This year was the first time that the HMP issued a call to the public to nominate sites of concern. Between June and August this year, more than 46 heritage sites across a range of categories were submitted. The longlist of submissions included cultural landscapes, archaeological and palaeontological sites, built heritage, industrial heritage, burial sites, military sites, public open space and even South Africa’s oldest nature reserve (click here to view).
Over the past few weeks an expert panel of judges has been evaluating the submissions against a set of criteria:
- The significance or importance of the site (most importantly, to the local community)
- The urgency and extent of risks or threats faced
- Feasibility of finding a solution or the feasibility of a proposed solution
- Existence of a local organisation that could help save the site with the necessary support
- A clear mechanism through which the general public are able to provide support
According to Jacques Stoltz, founding member of the HMP, “most of the sites are threatened by a combination of poor heritage law enforcement, mining licences being issued in complete disregard of our heritage, urbanisation, under investment, poor state asset management and the seemingly endless delays in resolving land claims and the limbo that many communities still find themselves in in the shadow of apartheid.”
On a more promising note, the list also shows the incredible courage of individuals and local organisations fighting uncaring administrations, developers, powerful international and local mining interests and natural forces. Stoltz notes “While the list should have been more representative of our national and regional diversities and our varied geography and landscapes, we hope that the first campaign has not only highlighted pressing national concerns but also the creative ways in which communities are responding”.
On 21 September the judges decided on the final list of sites included the Timber Shed in Plettenberg Bay.
Why this site matters
Timber Shed in Plett
In August 1786 the Dutch East India Company decreed the erection of the Timber Shed for storage of timber prior to shipment by sea. Due to its age, this site has great historic significance. The site was declared a national monument in 1961 (Provincial Heritage Site today).
Why this site is endangered
The site is currently for all intents and purposes, a ruin and if not maintained will eventually disappear. The original yellowwood lintels in the windows are buckling and in danger of collapsing. Four beams have already collapsed resulting in the fall of a considerable amount of stonework. The stonework, lintels and walling can be stabilised with the necessary engineering skills and funding.
Local champion
Van Plettenberg Historical Society
To find out about the other nine endangered sites around South Africa, visit www.theheritageportal.co.za.
Article published by www.theheritageportal.co.za.
