- FIFTY YEARS OF THE SIMON VAN DER STEL FOUNDATION by HANS FRANSEN
- SIMON VAN DER STEL - THE MAN HIMSELF by JOHN MUIR
- A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE HSA SYMPOSIUM by PAM KOLBE
- A YOUNG MAN'S PERSPECTIVE by IAN PRETORIUS
- STRAWBERRY LANE PLAQUE UNVEILED
- COMPLETE LIST OF CAPE TOWN'S BLUE PLAQUES
- SOME MOMENTS FROM THE SYMPOSIUM
- THE 50th SYMPOSIUM AGENDA
- DELEGATES AT THE SYMPOSIUM
by Dr Hans Fransen
When I was asked to give a brief overview of the fifty-year history of our Foundation – including in its present form as Heritage SA _ I wondered why it should have to be my task; there are dozens of members who have meant more to its success than me. Then it dawned on me that architect Gawie Fagan and me may well be among the only members surviving from its founding days. It is a doubtful (and frightening!) distinction. Just stick around until you keel over - that's all you need to do!
What I have to say is much the same as what I wrote 'in an article in Village Life which appeared the other day.
Even if I may not have been an important member of the Foundation, the Foundation has been an important part of most of my life. I have made many unforgettable friends there, having served on its regional committees in Cape Town (for two separate spells), Stellenbosch and Pietermaritzburg. The most unforgettable character of all was undoubtedly Dr. Willem Punt, whose brainchild the Foundation was and whose Director he was to remain for fifteen years. I remember him as a Paul Kruger-like figure (minus the beard and tophat); a man who, with all his vision, leadership and dignity would have made a better State President than some.
The meeting he initiated at the Castle of Good Hope on the 8th of April 1959 was nothing less than a masterstroke, perfectly attuned to the spirit of the time – and, let's face it, no doubt fired on by feelings of nationalism. Some 250 people turned up to listen to a Iine-up of heavy-weight luminaries, including guest of honour H.F. Verwoerd but also including Governor-General Jansen, opposition leader De Villiers Graaff, the Mayor, university principals Duminy and Thom, Minister Dönges, followed by the reading out of dozens of messages from well-wishers. Another important figure in the early days was Prof W.E.G. Louw, whose pertinent motto was taken from the national anthem Die Stem: "Laat die Erwe van ons Vaad're, vir ons Kinders Erwe bly".
The climate was indeed ripe for a coming-together of all conservation-conscious parties. There had just been a number of epoch-making restorations. Norman Eaton, the great architect, had restored Reinet House in Graaff-Reinet to its former glory. Down in the Cape, it was Revel Fox who had set new standards at Meerlust. And in Cape Town it was the successful campaign to prevent the demolition of Rheezigt – the only gabled homestead in the City bowl – that gave the immediate impetus to the "foundation of the foundation".
The new organization, under Director Punt and Chairman William Nicol, soon entered the restoration scene itself. It bought and restored the derelict but highly interesting farm complex of Coomhoop on the Liesbeek, with its unique dovecot. In Transvaal – as it was then called: no offense intended! – the Foundation bought Paul Kruger's farm Boekenhoutfontein and under Johan de Ridder performed an exemplary restoration of its flat-roofed homestead and complex of outbuildings. It also did sterling work at the mission station of Bothsabelo and the adjoining Fort Merensky. In Natal it bought Bishop Macrorie's fine Victorian home and had it turned into a museum, and in the Eastern Cape it was the unique old Wool Mill at Bathurst that was saved from demolition and restored. Although its head-office was in Pretoria, the Foundation's management always took great care to spread its activities across all parts of the country and all types of structures: homesteads, houses, Voortrekker homes, dovecots, fortresses, mills, mission churches, presidential residences.
With increasing property and restoration costs, the Foundation soon had to scale down its ownership of monuments. But in any case, perhaps more important was always its indirect involvement, its pressure through networking and opinion forming and bundling, through (sometimes not-too-quiet) diplomacy, in a vast variety of conservation matters. I would say the most monumental of these was the unrelenting fight against the wholesale demolition of the West façade of Church Square, Pretoria with its pre-Boer War Republican buildings. After the emphatic statement – no: the unveiled threats! – by Administrator Sybrand ("Sooibrand") van Niekerk dat "die koeël is deur die kerk" and that nothing could now stop the bulldozers anymore, an orchestrated campaign of press statements and protest meetings eventually managed to overturn the decision.
It was here, that the Foundation's own journal, the Bulletin, later called Restorica, showed what an invaluable role it had to play. I recently had the interesting task of perusing every one of its sixty hefty issues to draw up a register of nearly a thousand informative articles and reports over almost forty years, and I was struck by the pages and pages of indignant letters – many of them lifted from the press – criticising the province's decision. And it worked!
Elsewhere, too, their involvement paid off. They played their part in the largest restoration project of them all, that of Church Street, Tulbagh after the earthquake of 1969, and they actually bought and restored a property there, "De Oude Bakkerij". The Foundation played its part of the partial preservation of the Bo-Kaap, despite the remark of a City Councillor that those who wanted it preserved were "just some old women". It helped save the Old Sendinggestigkerk in Long Street, Cape Town, which was scheduled for demolition (and re-erection in a "Coloured township"!).
The Foudation was *involved, or inspirational, or merely supportive, at Clarkson, at Overpark in Pietermaritzburg, at the mining village of Pilgrim's Rest, at the Pretoria Forts Klapperkop and Schanskop, at Gamkaskloof, at the Presidensle in Bloemfontein and many, dozens of similar prqiects all over the country.
But under the successive directorship of Willem Punt Jr., Deon Jooste, Elize Labuschagne and the chairmanship of William Nicol, Dr. Metring Naudé, Prof Snyman, Willem Cruywagen, Gerda Coetzee, Albrecht Herholdt and now Len Raymond, the achievements of the Simon van der Stel Foundation did not stop at actual conservation projects. I referred to the invaluable source of information preserved in its journals. It also published educational booklets, like, "Conservation of our Heritage" in 1965 – sold at the price of one Rand! – with articles by Norman Eaton, Ronald Lewcock, James Walton and - yes - by myself.
After the controversial PhD thesis at a German University, by Dr. Van der Meulen titled "Der Grundlage der Kolonialarchitektur am Kap der Guten Hoffnung", in which he tried to prove that the origins of our Cape Dutch architecture were actually to be found in Germany and not in Holland, the Foundation commissioned Flemish architect Clemens Trefois to write a rebuttal. The two diametrically opposed views prompted celebrated Dutch architectural historian M.D. Ozinga to call their efforts "Geschiedenis als Strijdmiddel". A photographic competition resulted 'in the travelling exhibition "The White-walled Beauty of the Cape", and another exhibition was held of paintings depicting "Old Buildings and Streets of Cape Town". With the help of Coca Cola, a film was made, "Mirror of our past", and Willem Punt was instrumental in having some monumental tile tableaux of scenes from the Boer War returned from the Netherlands.
In 1966 a delegation of the Foundation attended a restoration course in Amsterdam, organized by the Bond Heemschut, our counterpart over there on which the Foundation was closely modelled and with whom and its own leader Ton Koot we long maintained close links. I had the privilege to be part of that group, and remember how moved I was by the sincere interest these Amsterdammers had in our efforts despite our status as the "polecat of the Western world".
Much sought-after has always been the Foundation Medal of Honour, which was bestowed on people like Mary Cook, Frans Smuts, James Walton, both Gwen and Gawle Fagan, Dirk Visser, Hannes Meiring, Martiens van Bart, Anton Rupert, long-time chairman Dr. Meiring Naudé, Judge Marius Diemont, Dan Sleigh, Gwen Mills, Eric Vertue - yes and on myself 27 years ago. Not to mention that great conservationist (or conservative?) the Hon. B.J. Vorster.
Yes, it was clear that 'in the tumultuous early 'nineties the Foundation, too, had to change drastically – although it has to be admitted that as early as 1959 H.F. Verwoerd had suggested that the efforts of the Foundation should also include the "monuments of other population groups". In the 1991 and follow issues of Restorica, quite a number of well-known Black opinion fonners were invited to articulate their views on conservation in its widest sense – people like Barbara Masekela, Themba Wakashe and Felicia Mabuza-Suttle. It did not help to create a climate of great conservation consciousness. And to crown it all – the 1998 Restorica announced the appointment of Patrick Mosluoa Lekota as the Foundation's Patron. This did not help much, either. For, ironically, that particular issue was to be the last Restorica to see the light of day.
But the Foundation survived, though in a slightly changed format. Its name on a national level, as we all know, was changed to "Heritage SA" – a good name, although it is a pity that good old governor Simon van der Stel's name had to bite the dust. Under the firm hand of the present National Chairman, the hardworking and popular Len Raymond, its activities have since become more decentralised, and its various branches have remained as active as ever before. I can only speak for that here in Cape Town under the indefatigable chairmanship of John Muir, and I would like to ask my fellow committee member of long standing, Ian Pretorius, to tell you more about some of our recent activities down here.
National Symposium of Heritage South Africa, 25 September 2009
SIMON VAN DER STEL – THE MAN HIMSELF
By John Muir – Chairman of the Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town, and author of Know your Cape and John Muir’s Guide to the Western Cape
Simon van der Stel was born on 14 October 1639. His birth is registered in Mauritius and it is believed he was born at sea. His father, Adriaan, was a senior official in the VOC and was assigned to Mauritius from Batavia. His mother was Maria Lievens whose own mother was a former slave, Monica of the Coromadel Coast. Simon was therefore of mixed descent. He was on the short side and “of lively temperament”. But he did not like paintings or drawings of himself.
He grew up in Batavia as his father was transferred back there and at the age of 20, after his parents had died, he sailed to Amsterdam in 1659. His ship anchored in Table Bay during the voyage, although it is not known whether he went ashore. In 1663 he married Johanna Jacoba Six and lived in Haarlem and Amsterdam. In 1679 he was appointed Commander of the Cape to succeed Johan Bax. Quick tempered, he did not get on with his wife and so his sister in law, Cornelia Six, accompanied him and his four sons; Willem Adriaan, Franz, Adriaan and Cornelis. His wife and his daughter, Catharina, stayed in Holland and never came to the Cape.
Simon van der Stel arrived at the Cape in October 1679. He was dynamic and far-sighted. His knowledge of viticulture gained at Mulderberg in Holland and his geological experience stood him in good stead. He founded Stellenbosch in 1680 and explored Namaqualand, prospecting for copper. He assisted the French Huguenots to settle in the French Hoek Valley and he insisted that they learn Dutch to try and integrate them into the community. He encouraged education and in 1686 started a land registry.
In 1684 he applied to the VOC for a grant of land, and, on 13 July 1685, was awarded 891 morgen (2 461 hectare). Having previously taken soil samples, he was granted a large part of the Constantia Valley. The grant was given by Baron van Rheede tot Drakenstein (Lord of Mydrecht) in recognition of his services and to develop agricultural potential.
Many theories exist as to where the name Constantia comes from. It seems most likely that the property was named after the daughter of Commissioner van Goens, the VOC official who supported his application. One other possibility is that it is taken from the Latin meaning of constancy and steadfastness.
The first settler in the valley was an amazing woman called Catharina Ustings, from Lubeck on the Baltic Coast of Germany. As a 22-year-old widow, she arrived at the Cape in 1662 after a 3-4 month sea voyage. Her second husband was Hans Ras, a free burgher, who farmed on the banks of the Liesbeeck River and was killed by a lion. Her third husband was killed by a “Hottentot” and her forth husband was trampled to death by an elephant. Her fifth husband was Mathys Michelse. By this time she realised that marriage was not a source of security and decided to invest in property! In 1683 she leased 25 morgen from the company at Steenbergen – the mountain of stone. She named the farm Swaanweide – after a place in Germany – meaning 'the feeding place of the swans'. In 1688 she was granted legal title. She was the first settler in the valley and built a modest house. Baron van Rheede notes in his diary that he had an extremely hearty meal with fresh radishes, cabbage and fresh baked bread at the homestead. His description of the lady of the house was that she rides bareback like an Indian and her children resemble Brazilian cannibals!
Simon van der Stel built a large double-storied house in the Dutch Renaissance style with a bell gable and 18 rooms, and a large separate wine cellar. He planted over 8 000 trees, half of which were oaks and the rest fruit-bearing. In 1709, 70 000 vines produced 5 600 litres of wine (7 000 bottles). Current is production 400 000 litres. He also sowed and harvested wheat and barley.
The French traveller, Francois Valentyn, wrote of an exceptionally well planned estate, choicest wine in the Cape, in general lovely fruit, rare trees, choice vines, plants, herbs and shrubs. He was known to give ship captains bottles of wine in exchange for plants and seeds.
Van der Stel was promoted to Governor in 1691 in appreciation for his work at the Cape. He retired in 1699 and was succeeded by his son Willem Adriaan. He spent the last years of his governorship concentrating on his farming activities at Constantia and this elicited complaints from the burghers. In 1709 he owned 60 slaves on his farm. He died at Constantia in June 1712. He is buried in the Groote Kerk in Cape Town. In his will, on his death bed, he ordered the release of some of his slaves.
The few accounts of his social life show that he celebrated his birthday on 14 October either in Stellenbosch, where shooting at targets dressed as parrots was a popular activity, or at Constantia where Valentyn describes a birthday banquet in 1705, where fish, meat and venison and delicious fruit formed part of the menu.
After his death the farm was sold in three parts. The house and part of the estate were sold to Oloff Bergh and were then known as Groot Constantia, with the other two parts called Klein Constantia and Bergvliet. Willem Adriaan was dismissed from the VOC for misdemeanours committed at Vergelegen; some quarters suggest that he may have learnt at the feet of his father!
The Simon van der Stel Foundation was formed on 9 April 1959, at the Castle in Cape Town, for the protection of historical buildings, other antiquities and the development of South Africa’s heritage. It honours the name of the man who laid out the town of Stellenbosch and brought land control and order to the settlement at the Cape.
Alphen Centre, Constantia, Cape Town, 25-26th September 2009
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE HERITAGE SOUTH AFRICA SYMPOSIUM 2009
PAM KOLBE – SECRETARY, HERITAGE SOUTH AFRICA
The annual symposium means different things to the delegates attending from all parts of South Africa. To those of us who attend every year and are intimately involved in heritage conservation, it provides a platform, both formally through presentations, and informally around the lunch table with a glass of good Cape wine, to share our concerns, but more importantly to be inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and innovation of others.
The symposium this year, held in Constantia, Cape Town, on weekend of 25 and 25 September 2009, was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Simon van der Stel Foundation, and was hosted by the Cape Town branch of the Foundation under the chairmanship of John Muir. The programme was both varied and interesting and ran like clockwork. We were fed tea and koeksusters and two delicious lunches for which we want to thank Ansie Kent and her team. The Cape Town City Council gave delegates a Mayoral reception on Friday evening where the wine flowed and we were fed Cape Malay cuisine delicacies by smart, friendly staff who had also miraculously turned the functional hall into a sophisticated cocktail venue.
This annual event would be meaningless without a good line up of competent speakers.
It is always a great pleasure to listen to Professor Fabio Todeschini of UCT, who gave a powerpoint presentation on the preparation of the Heritage Resources Inventory of the Constantia Valley. This involved site and public meetings and liaison with interested focus groups. The final report, funded by the Constantia Property Owners’ Association, was presented to the Cape Town City Council, Heritage Western Cape and the South African Heritage Resources Association.
The infectious enthusiasm of Sigi Howes, head of the Centre for Conservation Education, was very inspiring. One of the most successful projects has been the competition run annually for school histories. The various schools are encouraged to research and write their own histories for which there is no time limit, but a prize is awarded for those completed each year.
Early on Saturday morning John Muir presented a History of Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town, and the important buildings saved by the Foundation over the years.
The re-modelling of the old Drill Hall on the Parade to accommodate the Cape Town Central Library, and its many attendant challenges was presented to us by John Rennie, who also led the site visit on Saturday afternoon.
David Jack, a recipient of the Simon van der Stel Gold medal in 2003 for the efforts of preserving and incorporating the historic buildings in the V & A Waterfront development, was the keynote speaker on Saturday. Against many odds and sometimes vehement opposition his company managed to turn the working harbour of Cape Town into one of the most successful dockland developments in the world, while at the same time retaining its significant historic character. Unfortunately the pouring rain in the afternoon prevented him from showing us most of the old buildings incorporated into the project, but he did patiently answer a stream of questions.
And last, but certainly not least, the well loved Hans Fransen gave a short history of the Simon van der Stel Foundation and the those involved, and later conducted the tour of Groot Constantia. We always enjoy his great sense of humour and wry observations.
The programme made good use of the mornings for lectures and the afternoons for site visits. On Friday afternoon we went to Strawberry Lane, where the previous day the blue plaque had been erected in recognition of the people who lost their homes and their livelihoods during the forced removals in the apartheid era. This little community was made up of hardworking and industrious people who grew vegetables and, of course, strawberries to sell. On Thursday 24 September, Heritage Day, their elders and descendants were invited to the unveiling of the plaque and to share a day of remembrance. Dressed in their Sunday best they reminisced and celebrated, without showing any bitterness. It was a very moving experience for all concerned.
We then moved on to the Kramat of Sheikh AM Shah in the heart of Constantia, where we were welcomed by a dignified elderly man who spoke reverently about the Sheikh and this place of “lying in state”. It is alleged that three men were banished from Batavia to the Cape where they continued their Muslim practices, eventually attaining the highest state of divinity, which means that on their deaths their bodies do not decompose but “lie in state”, as it were, in this mausoleum. We took off our shoes, covered our heads and went in. Inside there is a raised grave, surrounded by fresh flowers and burning candles, and the outline of a body covered in brightly coloured quilts. There were more graves outside covered in green plastic tarpaulins.
No matter how many times one visits Groot Constantia and despite the homestead and outbuildings having undergone alterations many times, the farm has a certain sense of place. This is very tangible as one walks down the avenue of oaks, stands at the werf wall looking over the vineyards to False Bay or standing in the magnificently proportioned rooms.
The Gala dinner held in the historic Alphen Hotel in Constantia was an elegant affair and a fitting end to the Symposium. The food was delicious, the wine good and the company even better. It is always sad to say goodbye to heritage friends till next year. See you all in Graaff Reinet in 2010.
Heritage South Africa Jubilee Symposium, Alphen Centre, Constantia, Cape Town, 26 September 2009
A YOUNG MAN'S PERSPECTIVE
It is important to attract young people to heritage conservation, says IAN PRETORIUS, the youngest committee member of the Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town. He highlights some of the Foundation’s conservation success stories.
I got to know about the Simon van der Stel Foundation [now Heritage South Africa] as a standard 8 pupil in 1982. I was at school in Potchefstroom when the language teacher told us about an exciting inter-school essay competition launched by the Potchefstroom branch of the Simon van der Stel Foundation. We had to give a personal account of any old building or group of buildings that we found fascinating, how it touched our lives personally and why we felt it was important to save our built heritage.
The finalists were treated to a heritage tour in and around Potchefstroom. We were, among others, taken to a piece of land on the banks of the Mooiriver. It was situated well out of town to the north of Potchefstroom. The land belonged to the Foundation and was said to be Oudedorp – the first settlement before Potchefstroom developed at its current site downstream. I can clearly recall my fascination with the place. Apart from a ruin, there was not much else to see, but that was when historical archaeology became a reality for me, as we were shown artefacts that were found on the site. We also visited the farmhouse of Totius. We were shown the room where the well-known poem was written which deals with the tragic loss of his child as a result of lightning.
Ever since that essay competition and heritage tour, I have been very interested in the activities of the Foundation. In fact, I have been a member since my first year at the University of Pretoria. I can clearly recall the Building Festival which was staged at Church Square. I was impressed by the way this festival involved the wider public.
The reason for me telling you about my personal connection with the Foundation is to illustrate the importance of running a youth programme. It cannot be stressed enough. All of you are very well aware of the fact that our members are ageing and that we’re not attracting younger members. The Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town, has a very active conservation education project and I am sure it sensitises the youth and creates an awareness from an early age. Hopefully we will soon see the fruits of these efforts.
The Cape Town branch has a very active programme of outings. We strive towards arranging two outings per month. On average we manage to do 22 outings per year. This includes lectures in the rainy season and a weekend away.
Over the years the Cape Town branch has been indirectly involved in a vast variety of conservation matters. The idea with this talk is not to discuss all the projects we’ve been involved in, but I will highlight a few:
It would be appropriate firstly to mention the Boshof Gates in Newlands, as the Cape Town branch depicts these gates in its logo. Numerous phone calls, letters and meetings with City of Cape Town officials and the ward councillor resulted in the crumbling Boshof Gates being beautifully restored and the road blocked off to prevent traffic from causing more damage. These gates date back to 1786 and were used to give access to the homestead of Boshof.
Another structure which has been the responsibility of the Cape Town branch since the late 1970s is the Van Reede van Oudtshoorn Vault c1791 in Gardens. It is the only surviving in situ remnant of the magnificent Saasveld property (which has been rebuilt in Franschhoek as the Huguenot Museum). We recently repaired a crumbling boundary wall and had the whole place white-washed.
We are delighted to report that, by means of pressure, through networking or sheer stamina, the roof of Tokai Manor House has been repaired and that funding has been made available for the complete maintenance of the building, which is currently underway. The future of this important house, attributed to Thibault, seems much brighter since it will not be standing vacant any longer but officials of the Table Mountain National Park will move in and use it as office space. We will keep a watchful eye as we would like to see the outbuildings, which form a symmetrical werf, correctly restored and used as well.
The Foundation also contributed towards the restoration fund of the St Stephen’s Church on Riebeeck Square, Cape Town. We have donated a painting of the building. Copies were made of the painting and these were sold to create funds.
The Foundation was invited to give input in development proposals at Steenberg. We’ve been part of the planning and restoration project at Heritage Square. As part of a heritage impact assessment of the University of Cape Town, we were asked to give input on Avenue House and Radboll in Mowbray.
Other projects that we’ve been involved in were discussions about the redevelopment of TheRound House site, the revitalisation of the Company Gardens, negotiations for new opening times after it was decided to close the Iziko house museums, the YMCA in Queen Victoria Street (now demolished), and the Cape Town Station, which is currently being rehabilitated.
We have recently been successful in getting City Council to make funds available for the restoration of the Lion Gateway, which threatened to collapse owing to a fig tree growing in the arch. These gateways gave access to the Bird and Antelope Park and Beast of Prey Park c1803.
Our work is never done! We are currently pursuing the City of Cape Town to put a roof on the old fire station in the Bo-Kaap. It lost its roof after a storm and has been without one for a very long time. We also want the railings of the historic retaining wall on Buitengracht Street to be fixed. This wall was built after 1895 and formed part of the installation of tram lines. The railing was damaged when a truck crashed through it. We are also urging Council to restore the collapsed wall at Government Avenue. It forms part of the Upper Gateway at Government Avenue dating back to 1803 when Thibault designed it as part of a programme to upgrade and beautify the Gardens.
All these examples give an overview of the activities of the Simon van der Stel Foundation in Cape Town. With the tremendous development currently happening in Cape Town, and numerous old buildings that are at risk, the Foundation certainly has a mammoth task ahead.
Ian Pretorius is a town and regional planner.
Some examples of projects by the Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town
STRAWBERRY LANE PLAQUE UNVEILED
A Blue Plaque, donated by Cape Town's Simon van der Stel Foundation, was unveiled on Heritage Day, 24th Sept 2009, during a ceremony hosted by the City of Cape Town's executive mayor Dan Plato, to remember the community of Strawberry Lane. Many members of this community, who were forcefully removed during the Apartheid era, came back to witness the unveiling.
For detailed press reviews see under the heading Heritage News
A COMPLETE LIST OF CAPE TOWN'S BLUE PLAQUES
Installed by Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town
A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, activity or event, serving as a historical marker. This list of 17 plaques describes the condition and situation of the plaques.
Gwen Fagan celebrates her 85th birthday at the Heritage South Africa Symposium in Cape Town. She is seen here with her husband, restoration architect Gawie Fagan (left), and Len Raymond, chairman of Heritage South Africa
Delegates at the Symposium at the site of the new Blue Plaque memorial
Dr Hans Fransen leads a group around Groot Constantia Estate
The guide explaining the significance of the Kramat of Sheikh AM Shah, at Klein Constantia
HERITAGE SOUTH AFRICA Annual Symposium Cape Town – 25 and 26 September 2009
Commemorating 50 years of the Simon van der Stel Foundation
Hosted by the Simon van der Stel Foundation – Cape Town
Dates: 25 & 26 September 2009
Venue: Alphen Centre, Constantia, Cape Town
Programme: Day One: Friday 25 September
08:15 Registration and coffee
09:00 Prayers
09:10 Opening by Mayor of Cape Town
09:30 Address by National Chairman of Heritage SA, Len Raymond
09:45 History of Constantia Valley and a perspective on Governor Simon van der Stel, John Muir
Questions/discussion
10:30 Tea
11:00 KEYNOTE SPEAKER Professor Fabio Todeschini, Emeritus Professor of the University of Cape Town, Architect, City Planner, Urban Designer and Heritage Practitioner
The preparation of a Heritage Resources Inventory for the Constantia Valley Professor
Todeschini has conducted research on the heritage resources of the
Constantia Valley. This involved public meetings, focus groups of
interested organisations and site visits. The resultant report, funded
by the Constantia Property Owners Association, was presented to the
Cape Town City Council, Heritage Western Cape and the South African
Heritage Resources Agency. Todeschini’s practical power point
presentation will be of interest to heritage groups throughout the
country.
Questions/Discussion
12:00 Cape Town’s Blue Plaque Programme - A Power point presentation, Jackie Lange 12:15 Every School Counts Heritage Project - sponsored by Simon van der Stel Foundation, Cape Town. Sigi Howes, Head, Centre for Conservation Education
12:30 Conclusion
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Bus Tour – Visit to Groot Constantia Estate, guided by Dr Hans Fransen, well known historian. The tour will include a visit to the Kramat of Sheikh AM Shah at Klein Constantia and to Strawberry Lane with John Muir
18:30 Civic Reception – Civic Centre, Cape Town
Programme: Day Two: Saturday 26 September
08:30 Coffee
09:00 History of Simon van der Stel Foundation in Cape Town. The focus will be on important historic buildings which the Cape Town Branch has saved or helped pressure groups to save.Dr Hans Fransen and Ian Pretorius
Discussion/questions
10:00 Re-modelling the Volunteer Drill Hall in Parade Street to become the Central Library of the City of Cape Town. Dating back to the 1880’s the re-modelling created many challenges including the construction of a basement and mezzanine floors. The internal fittings were made possible by a major donation from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. John Rennie of Rennie, Scurr & Adendorff Architects
11:00 Tea
11:30 KEYNOTE SPEAKER, David Jack, Founding CEO, V & A Waterfront, Architect and City Planner
The contribution of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to Cape Town culture The
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is internationally recognised as one
of the most successful dockland re-developments in the world. Still a
busy working harbour, it has become one of South Africa’s top tourist
attractions.
12:15 Discussion/questions
12:30 Conclusion
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Bus Tour 1 Visit to Volunteer Drill Hall with John Rennie Walking tour in Central Cape Town to visit important buildings and some Blue Plaques with Dr Hans Fransen and Ian Pretorius
Bus Tour 2 Visit to V & A Waterfront. Walking tour of Alfred Basin and part of Victoria Basin guided by David jack and John Muir
19:30 Gala Dinner and Heritage Awards – Alphen Hotel
The
Manor House of the historic Alphen Hotel is built on ground which was
once part of Governor Simon van der Stel’s estate. It provides an
appropriate venue for the special three course dinner to conclude The
Jubilee Symposium
A full list of delegates may be downloaded - click on the pdf below
Alphen Centre, Constantia, Cape Town,
