Heritage association celebrates successful year
The Heidelberg Heritage Association wrapped up the year with a festive event highlighting local history.
The Heidelberg Heritage Association (HHA) celebrated the year’s achievements with an event in the Old Jail on November 23.
Chairperson Hendrik Brits opened the get-together by welcoming the attendees. In introducing keynote speaker Tony Burisch, Brits highlighted Burisch’s pivotal role in preserving Heidelberg’s historical legacy.
“Few towns in the Old Transvaal can rival Heidelberg’s rich history,” said Brits.
Burisch, representing the HHA, then gave a brief overview of Heidelberg’s history: The area’s first inhabitants, the initial Voortrekkers, the town’s growth, the first and second Anglo-Boer Wars, and the period when Heidelberg briefly served as SA’s capital.
Burisch also noted the establishment of blockhouses during the conflicts and said that at one time, the town boasted 15 hotels and 35 establishments serving alcohol, along with the discovery of gold in 1888. He also referenced the Heritage Blue plaques in the area.
Brits then presented two awards for outstanding service. The first went to Burisch for his efforts to preserve the town’s heritage.
The second went posthumously to Noël Roberts for his significant role in documenting Heidelberg’s history.
Cynthia Mokoena and Kgomotso Motsepe from the Anglican Church, Heidelberg, accepted the award.
After the presentations, guests enjoyed a meal, concluding a memorable afternoon.
