ARTICLES

Since 1994, South Africa has embraced an inclusive and democratic definition of heritage, yet the protection of the built environment remains uneven. While legislation provides a progressive framework, its implementation is fragile: enforcement is weak, penalties are negligible, and development pressures frequently prevail over preservation.

 

BLUE PLAQUES

Lionel (Rusty) and Hilda Bernstein were members of the South African Communist Party who played a decisive part in the liberation struggle. Detentions, bannings and house arrest restricted all communication, employment and  movement. They had a leading role in the Congress of the People in 1955. Rusty’s words became the Charter’s rallying call “ South Africa belongs to all who live in it, Black and White”