Rita Britz of Val recently received recognition for exemplifying the work of the Heritage Association of South Africa. Britz received a certificate of merit in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to heritage preservation, cultural revitalisation, and community engagement in one of South Africa’s most historically significant rural settlements.

Kathy Munro, chairperson of the Heritage Association of SA, described the accolade and noted that Val, founded in 1896 following the completion of the railway line from Johannesburg to Natal, is a place of profound historical resonance.

In April 1902, General Louis Botha and Boer commando leaders convened here in the final stages of the South African War.

Today, Val’s legacy is kept alive through the annual Boer and Brit Day, a cultural festival initiated by Britz in 2007, which celebrates the reconciliation and shared history between British and Boer descendants.

This event has become a fixture for military historians and heritage enthusiasts, drawing hundreds to the town each year.

Munro said, beyond historical commemoration, Britz has positioned Val as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting folk music festivals and performances by internationally acclaimed artists such as Shawn Phillips.

Her efforts have also gained national recognition. She said Britz deserved to be recognised for revitalising an entire village, preserving its architectural and cultural fabric.

“She has promoted tourism and economic sustainability in a region often overlooked and fostered inclusive heritage dialogue, welcoming diverse communities to engage with South Africa’s complex past.”

The 67-year-old Britz graduated in 1980 from the Teachers’ Training College in Pretoria, where she majored in drama and English.

She was a teacher in Standerton for 14 years before Britz and her husband embarked on their visionary journey to transform the hamlet of Val.

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Britz is deeply rooted in this village, centred on the hotel and a police station. She grew up here, and her three children are the seventh generation to be raised in Val. Her passion for all things historical began as a little girl in Val.

“I was always my grandfather’s shadow, following him around and asking questions. One day, I found an old wooden Cadbury chocolate box filled with screws and my grandmother’s old tennis racket in the carriage house,” recalled Britz.

“That was when I realised how precious heritage is.”

Britz is always on the go with planning the next big event for Val, and she enjoys interacting with friendly people.

“Unfriendly people make me nervous. Behind the scenes of these events, I sometimes feel paranoid about things that might go wrong,” admitted Britz.

In the rare moments that she finds time for herself, she cares for her chickens and donkeys or reads in the garden.

“After 17:00 on weeknights, I take part in the CrossFit here in the farmers’ hall at Val. Man, what a lekker life I have,” concluded Britz.