Princess Vlei Eco Park unveiled as Provincial Heritage Site

The Princess Vlei Eco Park was officially unveiled as the Provincial Heritage Site plaque situated off the M5 in Retreat. 

‘’As a result of in-depth research and following the relevant official processes, the historical heritage significance of Princess Vlei can now be highlighted as it represents a unique landscape of peoples’ identity which is considered exceptionally important and desirable by the community as a heritage resource,’’ said Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais

During the keynote address, MEC Marais said, “Princess Vlei is a significant natural heritage resource that has high historical social value as it represents the living expression of the historic evolution of the Khoi and San from past to present. The evolution of this people of great significance is intrinsically associated with the sense of place within the cultural landscape of this part of the city. Its geographical location as a natural gateway to the south contributes significantly to its aesthetic value within the community. The sense of place of the wetland system extending through Grassy Park to Strandfontein enables an ecological stepping-stone that contributes to environmental value as a biodiversity benchmark site.’’

Together with the expert assistance of Heritage Western Cape, the City of Cape Town’s facilitation and valued input from the Western Cape Khoisan leadership to the Princess Vlei Forum Heritage Committee

The City;’s Mayco member for community services and health, Dr. Zahid Badroodien, hopes that now the ‘Vlei is a heritage site, more people would visit the area and what it has to offer.

“The City believes in working with the community and giving agency to organisations and residents who work with us to protect the natural and cultural heritage of Cape Town. The Recreation and Parks Department formalised an agreement with the Princess Vlei Forum that allows the organisation to use and maintain the space and give them an equal voice in the daily management of the Vlei. As a City, we are all celebrating the Heritage Recognition, and I hope that more residents take advantage of the leisure and rest the Vlei offers.”

 

Caption to attached photograph: From left:; Chairperson of Heritage Western Cape Council: Adv. Mandla Mdludlu; CoCT Mayco Member for Community Services: Cllr Zahid Badroodien; Chief of the Cocoqua: Chief John Jansen; Minister Anroux Marais; CoCT Ward Councillor: Kevin Southgate; Deputy Chief of the Cocoqua: Edwin Fillies; CEO Heritage Western Cape: Michael Janse van Rensburg



Done By: Mitchum George

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