A National Heritage Trust for South Africa ?
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Some heritage sites are more important than others and it is important that we understand that importance.
Most sites are relatively modern but some go back to the very roots of mankind and are linked to previous
ages when the earth's geological form was not as it is today. It is acknowledged that 'The Cradle of Mankind'
stretches from East Africa to South Africa which means that palaeontological and archaeological remains
in our country are of inestimable scientific importance and must be saved. However, it is not sufficient to
simply 'proclaim' a heritage site for the world to see, it is rather more in\important to 'manage' such sites
which can often be a problem. The answer could be community participation and partnerships.

(see case study 3)

How could a similar body help to build South Africa’s economy?
Whilst the major objective of a National Heritage Trust will be to preserve national heritage assets on behalf of the nation, it will also aim to make our heritage accessible to all. Where appropriate, tourists and visitors would be encouraged and from such sources funds will help to pay staff and make each site sustainable enabling restoration work and maintenance to be done on an on-going basis. In Britain, for example, the Trust has recently focussed on certain areas which were depressed following decades of environmental degradation in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. North East England and Wales have benefited in particular from innovative plans for economic revival, based on the improvements of local environments in order to exploit their Heritage Tourism potential. The British National Trust continues to flourish and expand every year, making a substantial direct and indirect contribution to the National Economy.
A comparison with the UK National Trust is daunting. However, we must not forget that they had very modest beginnings over 100 years ago. It will take more than a few years to reach their level of expertise and success but South Africa has to “jump on the train” sometime and the time is now right.


Case Study 3
The Cradle of Mankind
Thousands of years after the first hominids inhabited Southern Africa, early man inhabited the Cape St Blaize cave at Mossel Bay. The cave's middens have been extensively disturbed but it is still possible that future scientists will want to make further studies at the site and thus it is vital that it is not disturbed further. This leaves the problem of how does one protect such an archaeological treasure? At the time these pictures were taken there was no restricted access to the site and this is unacceptable. The answer is a partnership between the privately run "Khoina Village" (below) next to the site which by means of a "Heritage Agreement" could create a 'critical mass' which would allow visitors to 'Walk back into the past' with the help of well trained guides who could lead visitors through a time travel experience never to be forgotten.

The attractively and sensitively designed abutting site at Mossel Bay did not appear to be connected to the St Blaize Cave in any way at the time these pictures were taken but that may well have changed.

Our Government has rightly identified Gauteng's Sterkfontein Caves as a No1 Heritage priority and 'Mrs Ples' has already attracted thousands of visitors to the area. The late stone age period is evidenced at many sites throughout the country and gives us insight into early settlements which are equally as important as the palaeontological findings. However, we need to more evenly spread protection as well as visitors across our country and ensure that Heritage Tourism is not just focussed on a few selected locations. Unless we do that, by the time we want to exploit them it will be too late and the damage will already have been done by vandals or developers.

How would it work in South Africa ?
Obviously the Foundation would have a unique South African flavour. However, there is an enormous amount of experience which could be gained from similar overseas organisations which would be willing to support any initiative from our side. The British National Trust, well established as they are, concede that they have also made mistakes, and knowledge of these mistakes is probably the most valuable information we can glean. In S.A. we have small towns and villages containing decaying heritage assets, many of which could be preserved and exploited as tourism attractions, provided an umbrella body existed to help co-ordinate activity and offer technical help if necessary.

What are the keys to success ?

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