Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association (WNHA), as an associate member of Heritage Association of South Africa (HASA), has undertaken a new project called “Blue Plaque Wakkerstroom“.
What are Blue Plaques?
Blue Plaques are decals used throughout South Africa to recognize the broad scope of the diversity of heritage and history, thus recognising the equal importance of Green (natural) heritage, Brown (buildings) heritage and Living (individuals) heritage.
The Simon van der Stel Foundation spearheaded the introduction of blue plaques in South Africa.
Continuing this legacy the Heritage Association of South Africa sponsors the erection of blue plaques at historically significant places in cities, towns and villages. All of these need to be researched and documented and the information needs to be recorded. This is becoming an increasingly important way to ensure that the history and the data of different types of heritage in any geographical space is available to visitors today, as well as for future generations.
Three types of heritage are currently recognized by WNHA.
Brown Heritage: Within the village there are three National Monuments, as well as many buildings dating back pre-1900, and a historical cemetery.
Green Heritage: The village has the Wetland, surrounding hills, grasslands, fauna and flora within our immediate environment.
Living Heritage: There are many individuals who have had a profound impact on the development of this village since 1859, whose stories are important to preserve.
In Wakkerstroom, the blue plaques will have a QR code that will take viewers directly to the WNHA website, www.wnha.org.za, where they will be able to obtain additional information.
HASA and WNHA are encouraging interested persons to engage with this project, by taking pictures of any blue plaque they see and to share it on social media using the hashtag #BluePlaquesSA. Under, Heritage Portal, there are 386 recorded. In this manner, you can help build a database of blue plaques in South Africa. When you do so, it is helpful if the physical address of the site in your post is included, so that we can find it
Some interesting numbers: Heidelburg 87, Middelburg 57 & Johannesburg +_ 400
Permission to erect a blue plaque will be required.
In Wakkerstroom, this will require working together with the WNHA Committee to ensure that all protocols are adhered to regarding the installation of the plaques. All blue plaque projects will need to be funded. Currently the cost would be R 440.00. This funding could be raised from those associated with the blue plaque or by other forms of sponsorship.”