Consider your property’s status before making changes

Ms Cynthia Piercey, from Ilka, said properties over 60 years old are protected under Section 34 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999.

“Any work done without a permit from the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng (PHRAG), is illegal. The Kensington Heritage Trust works in liaison with PHRAG in the preservation of the heritage in Kensington and the surrounding areas,” she said.

She added that a bylaw several people seem to be unaware of is the necessity of having plans drawn up before commencing with building renovations.

“Because several houses in the suburb are now over 60 years old, some of which have attained the distinction of a century, they are subject to the heritage laws. These laws prohibit the breaking down of walls or the demolition of the house without consent from the proper authority,” she said.

Ilka and the heritage trust aims to protect as much as possible of the heritage in Kensington, a suburb over 100 years old and said to be the largest in Johannesburg.

“Kensington as a suburb stands out among many in and around Johannesburg. What was treeless savannah and swampland 111 years ago became the beautiful suburb we now know. In 1903 it was sub-divided into 7610. An early advert described Kensington as ‘a suburb which afforded scenery of great natural beauty’. William and Stanley Nelson, of Nelsonia Nurseries, were given the task of planting oak and pine trees along the suburb’s streets. The distance covered amounted to 106 kilometres, and the project took them nine months to complete. This man-made forest has in turn become home to a host of birds and other creatures,” said Ms Piercey.

She said added to this, residents have the benefit of a beautiful park which in days gone by, hosted ballet performances and other entertainment for people who frequented the park.

“The park is also home to our own library, all of which forms a precious legacy for our children,” said Ms Piercey.

The suburb and its people have come a long way in years gone by.

Ilka is the suburb’s official ratepayers association and has been serving the residents for more than 30 years. People can visit the Ilka Facebook page, which aims to keep residents informed.

“The Kensington Spring Fair, hosted by Ilka, takes place on the first Sunday in September each year at Rhodes Park. This annual event came into being 35 years ago and has become a significant occasion in the suburb. The fair is used as a means to raise funds which are then donated to local charities by Ilka,” said Ms Piercey.

She urged people wanting to make any alteration or wanting to demolish their property to contact Ms Grant Botha from PHRAG on 083 447 9523.

Alternatively, contact Ms Isabella Pingle from The Kensington Heritage Trust on 083 658 3990.

@JoziReporter