The Bo-Kaap is a little closer to being named a South Africa heritage site which will protect the area from over-development and change!
Cape Town, South Africa – A report has been finalised to declare the Bo-Kaap as a heritage site. This is being done to protect the area from the expanding CBD developments taking place.
The Bo-Kaap is an area in the city of Cape Town formerly known as the Malay Quarter. Bo-Kaap is traditionally a multicultural area, rich in history and situated on the slopes of Signal Hill. The area is known for its romantic cobblestoned streets and colourful houses
The Bo-Kaap is vibrant with history and was voted as the fourth on the most colourful cities list in 2016. It was also one of the reasons South Africa was named the 5th most Instagrammable country in the world in 2019.
Richard Walton from the City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Department spoke of the report saying that large office blocks and residential developments have a negative effect on the overall feel of the area. He confirmed it had a negative impact on the visitors who walked around the area.
“Over and above the generic threats to heritage buildings with regards to lack of, or inappropriate maintenance and repair, the Bo-Kaap, owing to its proximity to the CBD, faces increased pressure from developers looking at large scale developments. The challenge of implementing good heritage management in conjunction with sustainable development is one which is faced across the Cape Town metro and beyond.” – Richard Walton from the City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Department.
The move forward for considering the Bo-Kaap as a heritage site was all down to people physically barring developers from entering the area. Ratepayers started writing letters to urge officials to speed up the considerations.
“Our supporters submitted their letters via our online portal hand deliveries, emails and our online heritage campaign. This could not have happened without the commitment of our ratepayer’s association and community volunteers.
“We would like to convey our gratitude to all who pledged their support and help preserve our land and rich Bo-Kaap heritage.” -The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association
The final report has been completed and will be making its way to the City council for approval. Hold your fingers and toes as this is a significant part of Cape Town’s history and a massive draw for tourism.
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