Cape Town – Once we destroy our heritage, it is gone forever, and the Bo-Kaap is a precious part of our heritage.
Originally built in the 18th century as houses for the artisans who built the town that became our city, it became the home to Muslim political exiles from Java and Ceylon, and after 1834, to liberated slaves.
It is a cultural and architectural gem that attracts thousands of tourists each month and represents a historical heritage that needs to be preserved intact. As long ago as 1966, the section incorporating Wale, Church, Shortmarket and Rose and Chiappini streets was declared a National Monument (Provincial Heritage Site under current legislation).
In 2013, the City took the decision that it should be declared a heritage area, noting its historical and cultural significance, yet the quarter is still unprotected and still at risk of unbridled exploitation.
A people without the knowledge of their past, origin and culture is like a tree without a root and as Jews, heritage matters and it is the celebration of our heritage that has kept us together as a people.
It was Mandela who said that our rich and varied cultural heritage had a profound power to help build our nation. The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies would like to add its voice to all those who ask that steps be taken to help build our nation by ensuring at least that the Bo-Kaap including the Tana Baru site be declared a national heritage site that incorporates its living heritage.