Article Author/s: Kathy Munro
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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. Against this backdrop, the most durable achievements have emerged from civil society. Across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Mpumalanga and many smaller towns, local heritage societies—supported by national coordinating bodies, online platforms, systems of public recognition and heritage tourism—have sustained heritage through research, community engagement, adaptive reuse, and visible initiatives such as blue plaques, awards, walks and neighbourhood celebrations…