HASA Symposium

The Heritage Association of South Africa (HASA) is pleased to announce that the historical town of Barberton, Mpumalanga, will host this year’s heritage symposium taking place from 18 to 20 October. With its rich natural and cultural heritage, combined with breathtaking scenery, Barberton has much to offer.

The choice of venue for the symposium could not be more appropriate. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains have just been declared a World Heritage Site – the first in Mpumalanga.

Old photo of a section of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains

“This declaration is a momentous occasion for Barberton that will bring global recognition for the unique natural features of these mountains and will protect them for future generations” said HASA chairperson Jacques Stoltz, who extended congratulations to all those who worked hard to achieve this goal.

The Makhonjwas, dating back 3,6 billion years, comprise the oldest, best-preserved sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks on Earth. Known geologically as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, the physical and chemical characteristics of these highly accessible, ancient exposures provide an unparalleled source of scientific information about the early Earth. The outstanding value of these rocks lies not only in their excellent preservation but also in the large number of sites and features that, when combined, provide a unique, and as yet only partially explored, scientific resource. As required by the World Heritage Convention, they are...

[Originally published March 2012] Every year Heritage SA (renamed the Heritage Association of South Africa) runs a powerful symposium for its members and affiliates. Last year the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation played host and selected the following theme: 'The role of inidgenous peoples, settlers and slaves in creating 18th century opulence at the Cape.' Below is a report that appeared on the Heritage SA website via Courant Vant Vlekaancaap.

The Symposium theme revolved around the development of the 18th century Cape Manor House, the economy of the Cape, and the factors that contributed to the wealth of the settlers at the Cape. It was an extremely successful and well-attended symposium and it was very satisfying to see a number of our own branch members at the various lectures and outings.

Over 90 people attended the lectures on Friday. Thursday was devoted to matters relating to Heritage SA at the Annual General Meeting. The same evening there was the unveiling of plaques to mark historical sites associated with forced removals in Paarl with members of the community recalling these traumatic events.

Friday provided very interesting lectures starting with the early geology of the Paarl Valley going back millions of years to Gondwanaland. The lectures highlighted the life of the early inhabitants of the area, their first contact with the new settlers as well as the impact colonialism had on the indigenous people. One lecture gave a fascinating glimpse of the material wealth (or not) of the inhabitants by studying MOOC (Inventories of the Orphan Chamber) documents...