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There is currently a public debate raging about a proposed development in one of the oldest and best preserved precincts of the City, namely the Strand Street block that houses the Lutheran Church, the Parsonage, several 18th Century townhouses and the Martin Melck House. Equally old is a former warehouse which spreads almost the length of the block.

Now a developer has somehow got approval to erect a four storey building which will tower over these historic treasurers to the extent that pillars will be driven through the roof of the warehouse to support the new building.

But the really important questions remain – who is looking after the Heritage of this country and that of the Province? Was a clear process of public participation followed and was the extensive network of Historical Societies consulted?

It is common knowledge that the repeal of the old National Monuments Act and devolving Heritage powers to the Provinces has been fraught with problems. Finances and capacity issues continue to bedevil the ability to properly adjudicate proposals. Allegations of officials moonlighting as consultants where they then approve their own recommendations, have circulated for sometime.

This must be investigated.

The point is, our Heritage, no matter whether it is some prehistoric excavation, a Colonial building, artefacts from bygone eras or more contemporary political history relics – they are all part of our History and need to be preserved.
Of course, the manner of preservation and presentation of these items is all important in the same way that any product will fail to sell if not marketed attractively.

And all roleplayers need to have a common vision and be mutually supportive that our Heritage is sacrosanct.

Just this last weekend I travelled on a steam train from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. The train was staffed by volunteers from a local steam train enthusiast club and it was surreal travelling in these old wooden coaches.

But it was amazing to see the reaction on the face of every person we passed. They all started smiling and laughing and waving. That you will not see when you drive in a modern car or graffiti scarred Metro train.

But here again obstacles are placed in their way. Beside exorbitant running costs and other tariffs imposed by the authorities, the desperately needed and unique spares are locked in an old Transnet shed in Mossel bay and being withheld due to short sighted bureaucracy.

Similar bureaucracy is hampering the highly successful restoration and operation of the East Fort cannon battery in Hout Bay – the only working example of its kind in the world and which enjoys international recognition.

The ongoing problems relating to Robben Island need no repeating.

It is their very existence that makes Cape Town and the Western Cape so special and why tourists flock here. Our history gives the City its context and a feel that makes it so unique.

Take it away and we become just another town by the seaside. There are those that foolishly think that we can do away with our Heritage and History as if it is not important. They are the ones that are doomed to repeat the horrors of the past because they are no longer reminded about the struggles our forbears had to endure to build this great country to what it is today.

Here, at the Western Cape Parliament, we are going to take an active interest in the development and preservation of our Heritage – irrespective of its History.

Enquires Mark Wiley - 0824525712