Krugersdorp’s history celebrated through commemorative plaques

The Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA) celebrated Heritage Day by kicking off their first event and marking their first heritage site.

• Also read: New heritage association a cornerstone for town’s historical preservation

According to KHA co-founder, Jaco Mattheyse, they had their Krugersdorp Heritage Day Lecture by Dr Kathy Munro at St Peter’s Church in Krugersdorp CBD, where dozens attended.

“She did a lecture on Sir Herbert Baker, who was the architect behind the church. To add, she highlighted topics such as his life, architectural style, philosophy, personality, his legacy and major South African works, including the Union Buildings,” he said.

Being their first function, Jaco revealed they are planning to host a reading like this every other month.

The KHA is also excited to announce its Significant Krugersdorp Heritage Initiative that kicked off at the church.

This initiative is where we commemorate the buildings and people who helped shape the town.

“It gives recognition to sites around town, where we put up a KHA plaque with a brief history on it,” Jaco continued.

According to him, this was their first plaque, and they have identified 60 points of interest around town to add a plaque.

“We want to make the people of the town and area more aware of our town’s rich history and the heritage that we must preserve. This will be done through regular talks, tours and the use of media to engage the community, schools and any interested parties,” he stated.

Deputy chairperson of the KHA, Armandt Ferreria, concluded at the event that, “We are the custodians of preserving our heritage.”