A contribution for heritage

An open letter from Gert Opperman, Managing Director of the Heritage Foundation;

The Heritage Foundation (HF) has been involved in attempts to ‘save’ O’Neill’s Cottage since 2003. Over the last couple of years we have managed to sort out much of the red tape, entered into an agreement with the owner as well as a local business who has volunteered to maintain the garden and pathway to the best of their ability.

We have also managed to appoint an architect who has drafted the specifications for the restoration of O’Neill’s Cottage and who is also in contact with the AMAFA (Heritage KwaZulu-Natal) regarding obtaining the necessary permissions and will also be overseeing the project.

The HF has its own technical officer who has a good construction record and who will be performing the task, in conjunction with the architect and AMAFA. At this stage the AMAFA council has been re-constituted after a long period of inactivity and remains the only authority to give its blessing. A site meeting between the different role players has been scheduled for the near future.

One of the major challenges however is the situation surrounding the ‘tenants’ occupying the supervisor’s house at the back of the premises. Negotiations regarding their re-settlement have to be entered into, which is bound to result in additional expenses.

Although HF has managed to raise some funds towards the project, the appointment of professional architects as well as certain unforeseen expenses forces us to take the liberty of asking the public (interested and affected parties) to make a contribution towards the restoration of this unique heritage site.

Deposits can be made into the following account: The Heritage Foundation, ABSA, Brooklyn, Cheque account, account number 405 620 9535. Clearly marked proof of payment must please be sent to admin@erfenistigting.org.za