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.”
Done By: Mitchum George
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