The heritage spotlight shines brightly on Middelburg from Monday when the National Heritage Association’s symposium is presented at the Middelburg Country Club.
More than ever, this spotlight shines not only on what is preserved but what needs to be preserved.
It is ironic that the national symposium is being presented here with one of the greatest heritage tragedies taking place just 10 kilometres outside town with the daily decline of Botshabelo.
The site museum is begging to be saved but there is apparently no will to do so.
The same can be said of Van Blerkplein.
Paving stones are lying around without the work being completed.
In the shadow of the historic Witkerk, it has become a nest of prostitution, drug abuse and the homeless.
The area has so much potential to be transformed into a park where international tour buses can stop like in the good old days.
Does no one else see the potential?
Will the decline continue until the historic trees are cut down and the monument is irreparably damaged?
Where are our mayor and councillors?
Let’s return to history instead.
On 31 May 1910, four women from Middelburg planted four oak trees on the square that was then known as Rooth Plein, today Van Blerk Plein.
There was a tree for each of the four colonies that merged into the Union of South Africa.
The flag of the Union of South Africa was first raised in Middelburg.
The trees are still standing today although the Natal tree was struck by lightning and had to be replaced.
The trees need urgent attention due to tree diseases.
For more information about the symposium, contact Soekie Rossouw at 082 922 7498.
