What do dinosaurs, historic churches, Athol Fugard, the National Heritage Resources Act, Karoo architecture, fossil discoveries, photography, water, sculpture, and cutting-edge science have in common?
You'll find them all at the 25th Annual Heritage Association of South Africa (HASA) Symposium in Graaff-Reinet—South Africa's fourth-oldest town and one of the country's most remarkable heritage destinations.
The symposium opens with an insightful keynote by Bongani Mgijima, Director of the Stellenbosch University Museum, who will present an expert review of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). Drawing on more than two decades of museum and heritage experience, he will explore the origins of South Africa's heritage legislation, its achievements, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for strengthening heritage protection in the years ahead.
From there, the programme takes delegates on an extraordinary journey through time:
Travel back more than 250 million years with internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Professor Bruce Rubidge as he reveals how the Karoo's fossil record is reshaping our understanding of the origins of mammals, dinosaurs and crocodiles—and why Graaff-Reinet is becoming a global centre for palaeontological research through Karoo Origins.
Discover how the Sundays River shaped the development of early Graaff-Reinet as historian Professor Johannes Haarhoff uncovers the story of canals, irrigation, settlement and the resource that made life possible in the Karoo.
Learn from Professor Walter Peters how thoughtful planning, architecture and urban design created one of South Africa's finest historic townscapes—making Graaff-Reinet a national treasure.
Step into the nineteenth century with photo historian Carol Hardijzer, exploring the extraordinary photographic legacy of William Roe, whose images preserve the people, places and changing landscapes of the Eastern Cape.
Journey across the Eastern Cape's historic churches and mission stations with historian Philippe Menache, revealing centuries of faith, architecture and community.
Explore the unique vernacular architecture and cultural landscapes of the Tankwa Karoo with heritage researcher Karen Munting, discovering how generations adapted to one of South Africa's harshest yet most beautiful environments.
Reflect on the enduring legacy of Athol Fugard as heritage expert Mike Benn examines how one of South Africa's greatest playwrights preserved memory, identity and justice through storytelling rooted in the Karoo.
Discover how internationally renowned sculptor Anton Smit transforms history, emotion and remembrance into monumental public artworks that connect communities across generations.
See how CT scanning, X-ray imaging, electron microscopy and advanced scientific analysis are revolutionising heritage conservation with Dave Perrett, revealing hidden stories inside artefacts without causing damage.
Finally, Professor K.A. Munro asks one of the most important questions facing heritage today: Can heritage organisations survive beyond their founders? Her presentation explores leadership, governance, succession and sustainability as heritage organisations prepare for the future.
Whether your passion is history, archaeology, palaeontology, architecture, museums, genealogy, conservation, tourism, photography, science or culture, the 25th Annual HASA Symposium offers a rare opportunity to learn from some of South Africa's leading experts.
Dates: 11–13 November 2026
Location: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Enquiries: grt.heritage2026@gmail.com or 064 619 1200