The Challenge of Genadendal

The Challenge of Genadendal

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The Challenge of Genadendal

edited by: Hannetjie du Preez Ron van Oers Job Roos Leo Verhoef

IOS Press

Coordination ®MIT, Wido Quist Final editing ®MIT, Marjan Vrolijk Graphic concept CO3, Woltera Niemeijer Lay-out Studio Lampro, Karen Knols © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved ISBN 978-1-58603-968-4 Published by IOS Press under the imprint Delft University Press Publisher IOS Press BV Nieuwe Hemweg 6b 1013 BG Amsterdam The Netherlands tel: +31-20-688 3355 fax: +31-20-687 0019 e-mail: [email protected] www.iospress.nl www.dupress.nl LEGAL NOTICE The publisher is not responsible for the use which might be made of the following information PRINTED IN THE NETHERLANDS

Contents

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii N.R. Mandela, former President of South Africa The Benefits for the Moravian Church in South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix Angelene Swart Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Ron van Oers Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Hannetjie du Preez Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Job Roos Genadendal: Conservation and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Lucien le Grange and Ivan Smidt Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Johan van Papendorp Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 R. Rughubar Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock . . . . 69 P. Pansegrouw, K. Oosthuizen and G.C. Combrink Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Denver Damons and Marius Brand Historic Mission Settlement Education Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Michael Jonas

v

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Leo G.W. Verhoef and Jacques Retieff Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Hannetjie du Preez and Job Roos

vi

Foreword

April 2008

'XULQJRXUWHUPLQRIÀFHDV3UHVLGHQWRIWKH5HSXEOLFRI6RXWK$IULFDZHGHFLGHGWRUHQDPHWKHSUHVLGHQWLDORIÀFLDOUHVLGHQFHLQ&DSH7RZQIURP¶:HVWEURRNH·WR¶*HQDGHQGDO·ZKLFKPHDQV¶9DOOH\RI*UDFH·:HDOVRYLVLWHGWKLVKLVWRULFOLWWOHWRZQRQ2FWRber 1995. 7KHUHQDPLQJRIWKHRIÀFLDOUHVLGHQFHZDVLQKRQRXURIWKHROGHVWPLVVLRQVHWWOHPHQW in South Africa. Over the centuries it became a place associated with the coming toJHWKHURISHRSOHIURPGLIIHUHQWUDFLDOJURXSVLQDGGLWLRQWREHLQJWKHÀUVWSHUPDQHQW Khoi settlement at the Cape, it was also a place of sanctuary for more than a thousand slaves when slavery was abolished in 1838. Genadendal is blessed with a rich tangible and intangible heritage. It boasts of vernacular architecture, musical traditions and language and a long tradition of humanitarian efforts and political struggle. It is with pleasure that we learned about the completion of the restoration project due to the assistance of the Dutch Government. The improvements that were effected provided the inhabitants with infrastructure to improve the quality of their lives. May the history of Genadendal continue to inspire especially during the 270 th year of its existence.

N.R. Mandela

vii

viii

The Benefits for the Moravian Church in South Africa

In this 270th commemoration year of the arrival of the

ment in this project can be viewed as our willingness

ÀUVW0RUDYLDQ0LVVLRQDU\*HRUJH6FKPLGWDW%DYLDDQV

to share our cultural heritage, not only to our own ben-

kloof –now Genadendal–, it is indeed historic and ap-

HÀWEXWIRUWKHHGLÀFDWLRQRIERWKWKH6RXWK$IULFDQ

propriate for the Moravian Church in South Africa

and international society. Together with the Govern-

0&6$ WREHJUDQWHGWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRUHÁHFWRQWKH

ment and international partners we have restored a na-

blessings of the Genadendal Restoration Project.

tional cultural heritage of which we all can be proud

From the diary of George Schmidt we learn from the letter dated 23 April 1738 that they were busy with the

of. This is an indication that it is possible for State and Church to co-operate.

construction of a house, an indication of the small be-

We do believe that the development of Genadendal

ginnings of the beautiful heritage that we were fortu-

through the restoration process is another milestone in

nate to once again restore and rehabilitate.

extending the impact of the MCSA beyond the borders

We, the Moravian Church, are indeed thankful that

of her own membership. The mission history will be

we have had the opportunity to partner with the West-

NHSWDOLYHIRUJHQHUDWLRQVWRFRPH7KHEHQHÀWVDUH

ern Cape Cultural Commission and the Netherlands

therefore both spiritual and material.

Government in this integrated conservation project at

The restoration of the historical buildings on the

Genadendal. We also acknowledge the important role

werf was spearheaded by a project team assisted by

the late Rev. M.J.R. Wessels played in this initiative as

SURIHVVLRQDOVLQWKHLUÀHOGVRIZRUNRIZKLFKZHDUH

a credible and much valued representative of our

SURXG7KH0&6$KDVEHQHÀWHGWUHPHQGRXVO\LQWKDW

church.

we could share in the funding in order for our buildings

Through this restoration project the MCSA had the

to be restored and for the improvement of our environ-

chance to exercise her role as a participant in civil so-

ment. These priceless assets of our church have be-

ciety. As church we do believe that we have a public

come a very costly burden for the church and we are

responsibility, especially in the post-apartheid era in

therefore profoundly thankful that this heritage has

South Africa, in order to promote the ideals of nation

now been sustained and conserved for years to come

building and the restoration of humanity. Our engage-

and for generations to enjoy.

ix

The training, apprenticeship opportunities and

EHJLQQLQJRIDPXWXDOEHQHÀFLDOUHODWLRQVKLS:HWUXVW

workshops gave the inhabitants an opportunity to learn

that together we will be able to continue to preserve

new skills and develop their potential as persons with

RXUEHDXWLIXOKHULWDJH:HDUHDZDUHWKDWZLWKEHQHÀWV

talents and gifts. These skills will assist in creating em-

also come responsibilities.

ployment and thereby boosting the dignity and worth

Our relationship with the local community and mu-

of our people. Such skills will also be useful in main-

nicipality has also improved through this restoration

taining the church buildings.

SURFHVVDQGZHWUXVWWKDWWKH\KDYHDOVREHQHÀWHGLQ more than one way.

7KLVUHVWRUDWLRQSURMHFWZLOOVXUHO\KDYHDVLJQLÀFDQW

On behalf of the Provincial Board of the MCSA, I

impact on tourism in this region. Genadendal as a ma-

wish once again to convey our sincere thanks and ap-

jor heritage site in our country has already drawn

preciation to all the contributing stakeholders in this

masses of visitors. The restored buildings, landscaping

restoration project. We accept this restoration and

and stimulating environment will inspire many more to

conservation of our buildings as a gift from God that

visit and be inspired. This will also bring the much

will be cherished and cared for. You can be sure that

needed revenue to the community and the church and

WKHEHQHÀWVRIWKLVSURMHFWKDYHDOUHDG\EHHQDSSUHFL-

assist with poverty alleviation.

ated and enjoyed by the MCSA and will continue to

7KH0&6$KDVDOVREHQHÀWHGWKURXJKKHULQWHUDFtion with the different role players in this Project re-

play an important role in the missionary task of the Church.

garding the development, management, usage and maintenance of our properties. We were pleased to receive regular reports and to be kept informed of developments and to be part of the planning. We all learn as

ANGELENE SWART

we participate.

President

Networking could take place to assist with the development of our other mission stations nationally and internationally. We could become aware of our own potential as a stakeholder and what we have to offer. We FRXOGOHDUQDQGEHQHÀWIURPWKHFRQFHSWRILQWHJUDWHG conservation. $QRWKHUEHQHÀWLVWKDWZHKDYHEHHQDEOHWR strengthen our working relationship with the Western Cape Cultural Commission and all related departments. We have also demonstrated that we work well with our international partners and that this project can be the

x

Moravian Church in South Africa 23 April 2008

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa Ron van Oers, Senior Research Fellow at Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

1

Background to the contributions

as controversial, relating to the memory of colonial rule that is still embodied in these cultural monuments, this has provided support and funding for the

¶'XWFKPRQH\WREULQJ*HQDGHQGDOEDFNWROLIH·ZDV the eye-catching header of a news item in The Cape

conservation of the mutual heritage. In the 1990s the Dutch Government launched a new

Times of 7 February 2002, accompanied – or so it

approach, focusing on the historical dimension of the

seemed – by a photograph of Nelson Mandela with a

conservation of monuments and the importance of

broad smile. Although the photograph actually accom-

identity and collective memory. Under this direction it

panied another news item, it would certainly have

has slowly, but increasingly, been investing in the con-

been appropriate, since the eminent former South Afri-

servation of local heritage overseas (not necessarily

can President has a special relationship with this oldest

heritage shared with the Netherlands), because this

mission station south of the Sahara, as explained in his

provides opportunities for local development. As such

foreword to this publication. All in all, the cooperation

it aims to promote sustainability by strengthening local

project between the Governments of South Africa and

knowledge and capacities, which are both at the heart

WKH1HWKHUODQGVIRU*HQDGHQGDO·VUHVWRUDWLRQGUHZVLJ-

of and the ultimate goal in heritage preservation. Ge-

QLÀFDQWDWWHQWLRQDQGIRUJRRGUHDVRQ

nadendal is obviously associated with Dutch colonial

Until recently, major funding from the Dutch Gov-

history. However, as explained in Western Cape Cultur-

ernment for restoration projects in the former colonies

al Commission (WCCC) Chief Cultural Director Du

ZHQWSULPDULO\WRWKH¶JUDQG·FXOWXUDOKLVWRULFPRQX-

3UHH]·VFRPSLOHGRYHUYLHZRIKLVWRU\DQGFRQWH[WWKH

ments that had an important and obvious link to the

¶LGHDOVRIQDWLRQEXLOGLQJDQGUHVWRUDWLRQRIKXPDQLW\·

colonial history with the Netherlands. This practice

as promoted in post-Apartheid South Africa provided

ZDVMXVWLÀHGDVWKH'XWFK*RYHUQPHQWKDVUHJDUGHG

the real impetus. This was also mentioned in the ad-

WKHKHULWDJHRIIRUPHUFRORQLDOWLPHVDV¶PXWXDOKHULW-

dress by Mrs Swart, President of the Moravian Church

DJH·RU¶VKDUHGKHULWDJH·HYHUVLQFHWKHFRQFHSWZDV

in South Africa.

coined in the early 1980s. While perhaps seen by some The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

:KLOHWKH¶PRQXPHQWDO·DOEHLWPRGHVWFRUHRIWKH

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

1

Figure 1 Dutch Money to bring Genadendal back to life ( The Cape Times, 7 February 2002, p. 4)

mission station, comprising the church and its sur-

cation of the cultural landscape, and Lucien le Grange

rounding werf, was a main component of the restora-

and Ivan Smidt of Le Grange Architects & Urban Plan-

tion project, the focus has always been on the total

ners in Cape Town, who designed and implemented the

ensemble, in which the vernacular expressions of local

Conservation and Development Plan for Genadendal. In

housing complexes and the wider setting in the land-

addition, Leo Verhoef and Jacques Retieff addressed

scape were equally important. Their restoration would

WKHGHWDLOVRIWKHUHVWRUDWLRQRI*HQDGHQGDO·VYHUQDFX-

be an important element in a socio-economic rehabili-

lar architecture, which is built from adobe.

tation of the mission station. This at least, was the vi-

The Genadendal Project was completed in Decem-

sion, as explained in the contributions by Job Roos of

ber 2008, twelve years after its initial conception in

'HOIW8QLYHUVLW\-RKDQYDQ3DSHQGRUSRQWKHLGHQWLÀ-

July 1996, and more than six years since its launch in

2

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

February 2002. While this certainly calls for celebra-

The second objective, essentially an extension of

tions, it is also a good opportunity for a critical review

WKHÀUVWZDVWRSURYLGHWKH'XWFK*RYHUQPHQWDGYLFH

of the process and its results, as presented in this

on its policy and funding strategy for this type of

publication.

project. A range of major restoration and refurbish-

7KHÀUVWREMHFWLYHZDVWRSURYLGHWKHVWDNHKROGHUV

ment projects are currently underway. Several are

with a clear overview of all the outcomes and outputs

based on an approach similar to that of the Genaden-

generated in the course of six years of implementation,

GDO3URMHFW7KHSURMHFWZDVVLJQLÀFDQWO\GHOD\HGZLWK

in addition to the physical restorations, to decide if the

some serious cost overruns, thus a critical review is

original vision has been realised and the expectations

needed to identify the causes and possible remedies.

met. In the newspaper article mentioned above, the

In the near future directions may shift and it would be

late Reverend Martin Wessels was quoted as saying

expedient to base new directions, at least in part, on a

WKDWWKH¶LQMHFWLRQRIPRQH\ZLOOFUHDWHMREVIRUSHR-

thorough review of completed projects. In this vein P.

SOH·+DVWKLVLQGHHGKDSSHQHGDQGKRZPDQ\MREV

Pansegrouw (Project Leader), K. Oosthuizen (Chief Op-

were created? If only a few, then what were the con-

HUDWLRQV2IÀFHU DQG*&&RPEULQN*HQHUDO0DQDJHU 

straints? Such an assessment is essential, even if only

of Casidra provide a critical look at the operation and

for the local community. By identifying some of the

delivery of the services provided by their organization

mistakes made and lessons learned, future projects

with respect to housing renovation and upgrading. Sev-

FRXOGEHQHÀWLQWHUPVRISODQQLQJDQGLPSOHPHQWDWLRQ

eral others also include critical notes on this.

and expectations brought in line with known realities.

The last, but certainly not the least important, ob-

Valuable contributions in this regard have been provid-

jective is to inform the international conservation com-

ed by R. Rughubar, Chief Director Housing Delivery and

munity of the key elements of this project, which was

Infrastructure, Department of Local Government and

conceived and implemented in an integrated manner.

Housing of the Western Cape, on the important role of

Since its formalization in 1975 in the Declaration of

his department in the application of the rural housing

$PVWHUGDPWKHFRQFHSWRI¶LQWHJUDWHGFRQVHUYDWLRQ·

subsidy. Denver Damons and Marius Brand of Theewa-

has been debated, embraced and executed in a variety

terskloof Municipality have described the role of the

of ways and virtually all over the world. However, only

local government and the challenges it faces with in-

rarely has a project been thoroughly analysed using the

frastructure development projects. Despite the opera-

basic principles underlying the integrated approach.

tional setbacks, Genadendal provides important mate-

The scattered documentation that exists involves

rial for lessons in history, which were the focus of an

either early European examples (mostly from the 1970s

awareness raising and educational project described in

and 1980s), or a partial reporting on more recent

WKHFRQWULEXWLRQE\0LFKDHO-RQDV(GXFDWLRQ2IÀFHURI

projects outside Europe. Thus this publication con-

the Museum Western Cape Service, Department of Cul-

cludes with a contribution by project leaders Hannetjie

tural Affairs and Sport.

du Preez of WCCC and Job Roos of Delft University of

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

3

troduction to his report29DQ9RRUGHQVSHFLÀFDOO\ mentioned the special nature of the assistance for its restoration, since this would not be directly related to the built monuments of the colonial period. Instead, it ZRXOGLQYROYH¶YXOQHUDEOHKRXVLQJFRPSOH[HVLQIDUFRUQHUVRI>&DSH7RZQ·V@PHWURSROLWDQUHJLRQ>*HQDGHQGDOLV@DXQLTXHH[DPSOHRIDQHDUO\VWLOOIXQFWLRQLQJ multicultural settlement. Special efforts will be needed, both institutional and professional, to rehabilitate this type of settlement with preservation of its sociofunctional, spatial and environmental values. There is a danger that only the most important monuments will EHUHVWRUHGZKLOHWKHPDQ\VHHPLQJO\LQVLJQLÀFDQW houses in the two neighbourhoods of the settlement will succumb to demolition and be replaced by contemporary residences (apartments, holiday homes). Such a process would damage this rare cultural ensemble be\RQGUHSDLU· Figure 2 Frits van Voorden and Ron van Oers visiting Genadendal (Bergstraat) in July 1996 (Photo Antonia Malan)

7KHUHSRUWVSHFLÀHGWKHLQYHQWRU\DQGDUFKLWHFWXUDO descriptions found in The Old Buildings of the Cape3, in SDUWLFXODUWKHPLVVLRQVWDWLRQ·VVSDWLDOSODQLQWKHZLG-

Technology who aim to provide a comprehensive over-

er landscape setting and the detailed plan of the

view and critical conclusion after completion of the

church werf and its monumental buildings. In addition,

project to review the wider merits of integrated

his report further underlined other characteristics that

conservation.

would have to play a key role in any project plan for restoration and refurbishment, such as the relatively

2

Dutch identification survey of Genadendal1

LVRODWHGSRVLWLRQDWWKHIRRWRIWKHPRXQWDLQV¶WKURXJK which it has retained its character as a place of refXJH· WKHVRFLDOGLVWLQFWLRQEHWZHHQWKHBergstraat,

On 21 July 1996 the late Professor Frits van Voorden,

the western entrance road, which has a lower status

Chair of Restoration and Urban Conservation at Delft

than the eastern entrance road, the Volksstraat¶DO-

8QLYHUVLW\RI7HFKQRORJ\SDLGKLVÀUVWLGHQWLÀFDWLRQ

WKRXJKWKLVUHPDLQVLQYLVLEOHLQLWVDUFKLWHFWXUH· WKH

visit to Genadendal at the request of the then Dutch

overall state of conservation of the majority of houses,

Department for Conservation (RDMZ) in Zeist. In the in-

ZKLFKLVQRWWRREDG¶DOWKRXJKWKHKRXVHVDUHLPSUDF-

4

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

WLFDODQGWRRVPDOO· WKHSRRUVWDWHRIFRQVHUYDWLRQRI

$PVWHUGDP·ZHUHDGRSWHGE\WKH&RPPLWWHHRI0LQLV-

the landscape between the two residential streets

ters of the Council of Europe.4,WUHFRJQL]HG(XURSH·V

¶WKHHDUO\V\VWHPRIovertuinen – the small, private

architecture as the common heritage of all her peoples

garden lots on the other side of the street facing the

and it declared the intention to protect it. Aside from

houses – is still recognizable but has fallen into dis-

WKLVJHQHUDOEXWVLJQLÀFDQWVWDWHPHQWWKH'HFODUDWLRQ

XVH· DQGODVWEXWQRWOHDVWWKHFXOWXUDOKLVWRULFVLJQLÀ-

of Amsterdam received worldwide attention because of

cance of the 19th century vernacular architecture

its holistic and forward-looking approach. Of the elev-

¶EXLOWLQDXQLTXHWUDGLWLRQEXWLQYHU\YXOQHUDEOHPD-

HQEDVLFFRQVLGHUDWLRQVÀYHDUHSDUWLFXODUO\UHOHYDQW

WHULDOV²DGREHZLWKWKDWFKHGURRIV· 

to the Genadendal Project:

7KHUHSRUWFRQFOXGHGLWVLGHQWLÀFDWLRQVHFWLRQE\

1. The architectural heritage includes not only individ-

VWDWLQJ¶$VVXPLQJWKHFXUUHQWLQKDELWDQWVKDYHVXIÀ-

ual buildings of exceptional quality and their sur-

cient means of subsistence, the points of departure for

roundings, but also all areas of towns or villages of

restoration and rehabilitation of this cultural monument look favourable. The most important monumen-

historic or cultural interest. 2. Architectural conservation must be considered, not

tal buildings are in a good state of conservation and

as a marginal issue, but as a major objective of

there are relatively few intrusions in the residential

town and country planning.

neighbourhoods and open landscape. Rather recently it

3. The rehabilitation of old areas should be conceived

can be noticed, however, that demolitions and replace-

and carried out in such a way as to ensure that,

ments with contemporary buildings is taking place in

where possible, this does not necessitate a major

an accelerated fashion. In part this results also in a re-

FKDQJHLQWKHVRFLDOFRPSRVLWLRQRIWKHUHVLGHQWV

placement of the original, poor inhabitants by a new

DOOVHFWLRQVRIVRFLHW\VKRXOGVKDUHLQWKHEHQHÀWV

middle class and by inhabitants/visitors from outside.

RIUHVWRUDWLRQÀQDQFHGE\SXEOLFIXQGV

,QWKLVVHQVHWKHJHQWULÀFDWLRQRIWKHQHLJKERXULQJYLOODJHRI*UH\WRQSURYLGHVDZDUQLQJ·

4. To help meet the cost of restoration, adaptation and maintenance of buildings and areas of architecWXUDORUKLVWRULFLQWHUHVWDGHTXDWHÀQDQFLDODVVLVW-

3

Principles and practices of integrated conservation

ance should be made available to local authorities DQGÀQDQFLDOVXSSRUWDQGÀVFDOUHOLHIVKRXOGOLNHwise be made available to private owners.

3.1

Outline of the Declaration of Amsterdam (1975)

At the Congress on the European Architectural Her-

5. The architectural heritage will survive only if it is appreciated by the public and in particular by the younger generation. Educational programmes for all

itage, held in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) from 21 to

ages should therefore give increased attention to

25 October 1975, the European Charter of the Archi-

this subject.

WHFWXUDO+HULWDJHWRJHWKHUZLWKWKH¶'HFODUDWLRQRI

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

5

Figure 3 Panorama of Genadendal looking east with Volkstraat and Strydomweg (Western Cape Archives J 4535)

Figure 4 Old surveyor’s map of Genadendal (Western Cape Archives E 7372)

6

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

Further to these fundamental deliberations, the Con-

3. SURJUDPPHIRUPXODWLRQDQGDSSURYDO

gress proposed a set of recommendations, which be-

4. provisions of relevant legal requirements and

FDPHNQRZQDVWKHSROLF\RI¶LQWHJUDWHGFRQVHUYDWLRQ·

decisions.

The concept of integrated conservation means giving

Finally, the local administrative framework, which in-

an active role to cultural properties in the life of local

FOXGHVÀQDQFLDODVZHOODVUHJXODWRU\DQGLQVWLWXWLRQDO

populations, which is based on:

arrangements, needs to be thoroughly investigated and

1. an integrated approach to the historic environment,

taken up in the project design phase, before project

meaning that regional planning policy must take ac-

LPSOHPHQWDWLRQFDQVWDUW0RUHVSHFLÀFGHWDLOVZLOOEH

count of the conservation of our heritage and con-

discussed during the assessment of the process and re-

tribute to it, in particular by inducing new activities

sults of the Genadendal Project.

to establish themselves in economically declining areas in order to check depopulation and thereby

3.2

SUHYHQWWKHGHWHULRUDWLRQRIROGEXLOGLQJV

Over the last decade the Dutch Government has initiat-

2. the involvement of multi-disciplinary teams of instiWXWLRQVDQGLQGLYLGXDOVLQWKHUHKDELOLWDWLRQSURFHVV

Experiences and best practices

ed or funded a variety of major restoration and rehabilitation projects involving cultural heritage overseas, in

3. the integration of conservation and rehabilitation in

a number of regions, several of which were based on an

the process of urban planning and design, that is,

integrated approach. In November 2004, Delft Universi-

considering rehabilitation at all levels of planning,

ty of Technology hosted an international conference to

including the general master plan (long-term plans

bring together decision makers and professionals to dis-

on national, regional and town level) and conserva-

cuss these projects and the lessons learned.5 Its main

WLRQDQGPDQDJHPHQWSODQIRUWKHVSHFLÀFDUHDRI

conclusions related to policy, research and interven-

the historic town (detailed plans for mid- and short-

tion. Some of these conclusions are highly relevant to

WHUPSHULRGV 

the Genadendal context, and are summarized here.

4. the use of appropriate methods in accordance with

Adequate national policies and related infrastruc-

the character and quality of the heritage, decided

ture for cultural heritage protection and conservation

case by case.

are of the highest importance. As they are an essential

The methodological procedure for this should be multi-

component for successful project design and imple-

GLVFLSOLQDU\PXOWLOHYHOVFLHQWLÀFDOO\VRXQGDQGUH-

mentation, this should be taken upstream. In other

spect the relevant international conventions. The pre-

words, greater attention should be given to this aspect

paratory phase of conservation includes the following

GXULQJWKHSURMHFW·VLQFHSWLRQSKDVH:KLOHVRPHDV-

elements:

pects may remain uncertain until the project execution

1. VXUYH\DQGUHFRUGLQJRIWKHEXLOWKHULWDJH

starts, there should be more focus in the design phase

2. LQVWLWXWLRQDORUJDQL]DWLRQDODQGÀQDQFLDO

of the project on the regulatory and institutional

FRQGLWLRQV

frameworks existing in partner countries.

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

7

Furthermore, project planning and execution were

4

Approaches underpinning the Genadendal project

4.1

The Dutch approach: spatial-technical planning and design at various levels of scale

LGHQWLÀHGDVEHLQJIDUPRUHFRPSOH[WKDQLQLWLDOO\HQvisaged. In the case of Genadendal, a doubling of the time, initially earmarked for project planning and deVLJQVWLOOSURYHGWREHLQVXIÀFLHQW6RPHRIWKHFRPSOLFDWLRQVLQWKHSURMHFW·VH[HFXWLRQLQYROYHGDVSHFWV that should have been more thoroughly investigated

A preliminary project plan was established. This was

beforehand. Others, however, could not have been

based on a comprehensive set of characteristics that

foreseen.

ZHUHLGHQWLÀHGDWYDULRXVOHYHOVRIVFDOHLHWKRVHRI

The majority of projects involved Ministries of Cul-

individual houses, of the ensemble of church werf with

ture as the main partner in the conservation of cultural

residential neighbourhoods and their public spaces,

KHULWDJHZKLFKPD\VHHPREYLRXVDQGMXVWLÀHG+RZ-

and of the complete settlement in its wider setting.

ever, in many countries Ministries of Planning, Housing

This plan included the following four phases:

and/or Public Works for instance, are often deeply in-

1. surveys of existing functions, documenting the state

volved in projects that directly affect heritage conser-

of conservation and monumental values of the

vation and they tend to control larger budgets, and

EXLOGLQJVLQDVHULHVRILGHQWLÀFDWLRQPDSV

have more staff and leverage. For larger cultural heri-

2. design of a general development scheme for the

tage conservation projects therefore, partnerships

functions, which could be supplemented with alter-

with these national government bodies are equally

QDWLYHVIRUGLIÀFXOWORFDWLRQV7REHHVWDEOLVKHGLQ

important.

commission of the local council and in consultation

Some of the projects highlighted the importance of the spin-off of conservation projects to other sectors

ZLWKWKHUHVLGHQWV 3. governmental decision to embark on an integrated

of society, such as poverty alleviation through job cre-

conservation of the settlement, based on a multi-

ation, training of local specialists and tourism develop-

year programming (at least ten years) and available

ment. A focus on project spin-off would merit more at-

budgets for the restoration of monuments (residen-

tention, in the design phase, during evaluation of

tial or otherwise), public works and new housing.

SURSRVDOVDQGZKHQDVVHVVLQJWKHÀQDOUHVXOWV3URSRV-

Preparation of a demolition and building regulation,

als for conservation and restoration projects should

introduction of public information sessions and

aim to serve, and describe in concrete terms, associated objectives such as strengthening of national cultural

JXLGDQFHDQGDGYLFHIRUORFDOUHVLGHQWV 4. the actual implementation, which includes three

identity, increasing sustainable development potential,

key elements:

working with other international or national partners

ƒ restoration, renovation/maintenance and new

and providing for educational opportunities, to name just a few.

8

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

FRQVWUXFWLRQ

ƒ public works, environmental rehabilitation, tourLVPIDFLOLWLHV

sions and resolutions taken at the International Symposium on the Conservation of Smaller Historic Towns,

ƒ research and documentation (archaeology, architectural history).

further expanded in the ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas, adopted

Where possible, this was to be executed and imple-

at the 4th ICOMOS General Assembly in Washington, in-

mented with the assistance of students, both from

spired and directed the approach.

South Africa and the Netherlands, to provide for study

The project proposal under the HGIS-C Programme

and research, internships and on-the-job training for

(a joint programme of the Dutch Ministries of Foreign

young professionals.

Affairs and of Education, Culture and Sciences) resulted in the approval in July 2001 of a subsidy of just over

4.2

The South African approach: stakeholder-driven and actionoriented

one million Euros. The Faculty of Architecture at Delft

,Q0DUFKMXVWDIHZPRQWKVDIWHUWKHÀUVWYLVLW

menting agents asked to direct the project together.

and report by Van Voorden, the Genadendal Communi-

The plan was set up according to the concept and prin-

ty Tourism Plan was drafted6 with a strong involvement

ciples of integrated conservation, involving role-players

of the local community. A set of action plans were de-

from a number of provincial departments, local gov-

veloped by the stakeholders to guide the implementa-

ernment and the community, that were all contributing

tion of the Plan.

WRWKHSURMHFW·VLPSOHPHQWDWLRQLQWKHLUVSHFLÀFZD\V

Based on similarities in vision and implementation,

University in the Netherlands and the Western Cape Cultural Commission in South Africa were the imple-

One of the requirements of the subsidy approval was

Frits Van Voorden of Delft University and Hannetjie du

that South Africa contributed 58% towards the total

Preez, Chief Director Cultural Affairs and at the time

cost of the project, in cash or in kind. To meet this re-

WKH$FFRXQWLQJ2IÀFHURIWKH:HVWHUQ&DSH&XOWXUDO

quirement, an innovative element was included in the

Commission, decided in February 1999 to work togeth-

SURMHFW·VEXVLQHVVSODQZKLFKSURSRVHGWKDWIXQGLQJ

er. They submitted a joint project proposal for funding

for restoration and maintenance operations was not

to the Dutch Government under their international co-

only to come from the Dutch Ministry of Culture, but

*

operation scheme for culture (or HGIS-C Programme)

would target available funds at other South African

for the 2000-2002 cycle. The Genadendal Restoration

government departments, among which the newly

Project was conceptualized in late 1999/early 2000 and

launched rural housing subsidy scheme, not utilised be-

a business plan with application for funding was sub-

fore in South Africa. Infrastructure investment would

mitted in April 2001. This plan aimed to preserve the

be targeted by submitting applications through the mu-

cultural heritage and historical infrastructure of Ge-

nicipal infrastructure grant mechanism to the provin-

nadendal and to develop heritage tourism. The discus-

cial and national departments responsible for local

* Homogene Groep Internationale Samenwerking-Cultuurmiddelen

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

9

government. By identifying potential funds and com-

Notes

bining available budgets the necessary in-cash compo-

1

nent for the project was generated.

Many surveys and studies involving Genadendal and other mission stations in South Africa had been conducted prior

Thus, in February 2002 all the elements seemed in

to Dutch involvement, as explained by H.M.J. du Preez in

place and the Genadendal Project was launched in the

KHUFRPSLODWLRQRI¶*HQDGHQGDO·V+LVWRULFDO&RQWH[WDQG

SUHVHQFHRIKLJKOHYHORIÀFLDOVIURP6RXWK$IULFDDQG

3URMHFW6HWXS·

the Netherlands, the Genadendal community and the

2

media, all with high expectations. To quote L.H. Fick, Minister of Planning, Agriculture and Tourism of the

nadendal op 21 July 1996, TU Delft, 9 September 1996. 3

Western Cape Provincial Government (in his foreword to the 2000 report Conservation and Development of

H. Fransen, M.A. Cook, The Old Buildings of the Cape, Cape Town 1980, pp. 339-340.

4

Genadendal ¶7KHVXFFHVVRIWKLVSURMHFWFRXOGVHUYHDV an inspiration and stimulus for other conservation and

F.W. van Voorden, Rapportage van het bezoek aan Ge-

For the Declaration of Amsterdam, visit http://www.icomos.org/docs/euroch_e.html

5

L.G.W. Verhoef, R. van Oers (eds.), Dutch Involvement in

development projects in South Africa, providing a role

the Conservation of Cultural Heritage Overseas, Proceed-

PRGHOIRUUHSOLFDWLRQLQWKHUHVWRIWKHVXEFRQWLQHQW·

ings of the Second International Symposium on Restora-

&RQFHUQLQJWKHSURMHFW·VVXFFHVVRUQRWSHUKDSV the last sentences of the conclusion in the contribution

tion, Delft University of Technology 2005. 6

A. Roussouw: Genadendal Gemeenskaptoersimeplan. A

by Roos & Du Preez seem relevant to keep in mind:

Brand New World commissioned by LANOK (now CASIDRA),

¶3ODQVDQGEXGJHWKDYHVLQFHEHHQHDUPDUNHGIRU*H-

Paarl, March 1997

nadendal (which was not the case before). Other Moravian settlements such as Mamre and Elim have now indicated an interest to implement a similar project. This should indeed be seen as a major success of the Genadendal Project and an opportunity not to be missed WRNHHSWKHPRPHQWXPXSDQGVSUHDGLW· The results of this important project are presented in this publication and can also be seen on the ground as well. Please do visit Genadendal and consider staying a few days to enjoy its hospitality and surrounding natural environment – in doing so you would make an important contribution to the further implementation of the Genadendal Project.

10

Introducing the Genadendal Integrated Conservation Project in South Africa

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up Hannetjie du Preez, Western Cape Cultural Commission, South Africa

1

Introduction: early church history

secution, members of the Moravian Brethren Church settled on the Berthelsdorff estate of the young nobleman Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760)

On March 1 2007 the 550th commemoration of the

in neighbouring Saxony in 1722. Von Zinzendorf played

foundation of the Moravian Brethren Church, also

an important role in the new Unitas Fratrum and was

known as Unitas Fratrum, was celebrated all over the

DOVRLQÁXHQFHGE\KLVVWHSIDWKHUWKHSLHWLVW3KLOLSS

world. The Moravian Church was established in 1457 in

Jacob Spener (1635-1705). Other refugees from Moravia

Hapsburg-controlled Bohemia and Moravia, now the

and Bohemia arrived at Berthelsdorff, which eventually

north-western part of the Czech Republic. A number of

led to the establishment of a congregation on 13 Au-

church leaders of the 15th century have had a strong

gust 1727 at Hernnhut at Berthelsdorff (situated near

LQÁXHQFHRQWKH5HIRUPDWLRQOHGE\0DUWLQ/XWKHUDQG

the present-day border between Germany and the

John Calvin in the 16th century. One was John Hus

Czech Republic). Under the name Herrnhutters, the

(1370-1415), Professor of Philosophy at the University of

Moravian Brethren Church exercised an important reli-

Prague, followed by Gregory the Patriarch, at Kunewal-

JLRXVLQÁXHQFHRQDFFRXQWRIWKHLUPLVVLRQDU\DFWLYLWLHV

de where members of the Unitas Fratrum established

that started in the region as early as 1722.

the Moravian Brethren Church in 1457. This church was

From this small start the Moravian Brethren Church

episcopal in organisation and protestant in nature, and

spread to all corners of the world. In 1732 overseas

therefore regarded as the oldest Protestant Church in

missionary activities were initiated on the Caribbean

the world. During the Reformation the Moravian Breth-

island of St. Thomas (at the time controlled by Den-

ren Church established contact with the new Lutheran

mark) to start working among the black slaves. Further

and Reformed Protestant church leaders.

congregations were established in England and in

From 1620, after the defeat of the Bohemian and

Greenland (1733), Lapland (1734) and in Surinam (1735)

0RUDYLDQQREOHVGXULQJWKH7KLUW\
in South America, while in that same year Moravian

of the Moravian Brethren Church were oppressed and

settlements arose in the American states of Georgia

banished from Bohemia and Moravia. After endless per-

and Ohio, and in 1741 at Staten Island near New-Am-

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

11

Figure 1 Panorama of Genadendal with the church ‘werf’ and dwellings (Western Cape Archives E 6549)

Figure 2 The current Moravian church building at Genadendal dates from 1891 (Western Cape Archives E149)

12

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

sterdam (present-day New York), Bethlehem and Naza-

thatched roof, later followed by the construction of a

reth in Pennsylvania, USA. Others were set up in Labra-

WKUHVKLQJÁRRUDJUDQDU\DQGDFDWWOHFRUUDOkraal) at

dor in Canada (1752), Gracehill in Northern Ireland

Baviaanskloof.

(1764), Sarepta in Russia (1765), Gnadau in Germany

Apart from the agricultural skills that Schmidt

(1767), Christiansfeld in Denmark (1773), followed by

taught the Khoi, his most important task was to in-

settlements in Tibet and Northern India, Alaska, Cali-

struct them in the Christian dogma. His learners were

fornia, Tanzania and Nyasaland (now Malawi), among

also taught the alphabet, from books that he ordered

others, in the nineteenth century.

from Cape Town, and writing skills. However, as early as 1738 it already became clear that Schmidt aroused

2

Moravian missionary work at Baviaanskloof

the wrath and suspicion of the Cape religious leaders and some of the colonists, as a result of his work among the Khoi. Especially after it became known that

By the end of the 17th century some of the indigenous

6FKPLGWKDGEDSWLVHGÀYHRIKLVFRQYHUWVKLVVSLULWXDO

Khoi tribes living in the area between the Hottentots

ministry was restricted and he was not allowed to bap-

Holland Mountains and the Gourits River settled on the

tise any more of his Khoi followers. Schmidt then re-

western side of the Baviaanskloof, after having been

quested that his work be abandoned and on 30 October

forced to move from the Hottentots Holland by the of-

1743 he took leave of the residents of Baviaanskloof to

ÀFLDOVRIWKH'XWFK(DVW,QGLD&RPSDQ\92& ,QWHUPV

return to Hernnhut, after having requested the Gover-

of VOC policy, no church denominations other than the

nor not to displace his 26 followers.

Dutch Reformed Church were allowed at the Cape. In

When the Moravian Bishop Johann Friedrich Reichel

1735 the Dutch Reformed ministers at the Cape made

EULHÁ\YLVLWHGWKH&DSHLQRQKLVUHWXUQMRXUQH\

an urgent plea for missionaries to come and do mis-

from India, members of the Dutch Reformed Congrega-

sionary work among the Khoi. The missionary work un-

tion in Cape Town discussed with him the possible re-

dertaken by the Moravians in the Caribbean Islands,

VXPSWLRQRI6FKPLGW·VZRUNDPRQJWKH.KRL2QHRI

and especially on those islands under control of the

the most encouraging factors was the news that Ve-

West India Company (WIC), reached the VOC authori-

hettge Tikkuie (christened by Schmidt and renamed

ties in Amsterdam. On 11 September 1736 the Lords

Magdalena) at Baviaanskloof was still alive and able to

Seventeen (Heeren XVII) granted permission for mission

read from the New Testament that was given to her

work to commence and Georg Schmidt arrived in the

VRPHÀIW\\HDUVHDUOLHU

Cape on 9 July 1737. In March 1738 Schmidt moved to the banks of the

On 3 December 1791 the VOC granted permission for missionaries to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope

Sergeantsrivier in the Baviaanskloof and, with the as-

again. Thus the Moravian missionaries Daniel Schwinn,

sistance of VOC soldiers stationed at the outpost, com-

the master tailor Hendrik Marsveld and the cutler

menced with the building of a small house with a

Christian Kühnel arrived at Baviaanskloof on 24 Decem-

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

13

Figure 3 *HQDGHQGDOGXULQJWKHÀUVWKDOIRIWKHWKFHQWXU\ (from G.F. Angas, .DÀUVLOOXVWUDWHG, Balkema 1974. A facsimile reproduction of the original 1849 edition. Collection National Library of the Netherlands, The Hague)

ber 1792 to instruct the Khoi in the Christian faith. 8SRQDUULYDOWKH\YLVLWHGWKHUXLQVRI6FKPLGW·VKRXVH

Figure 4 General view of the missionaries’ premises and part of the village Genadendal (From C.I. Latrobe, Journal of a visit to South Africa, in 1815 and 1816, p. 94. Collection National Library of the Netherlands, The Hague)

3

Historical significance of Genadendal

and his overgrown garden, where they also met the elderly and weak-sighted Magdalena, then known as

In spite of the many challenges it faced, Baviaanskloof

Moeder Lena, who was one of the converts baptised by

experienced its heydays during the 19th century. The

6FKPLGWVRPHÀIW\\HDUVHDUOLHU:LWKWKHKHOSRID

church square, or kerk werf, was laid out in accordance

stonemason from the VOC outpost, construction of a

with the traditional layout of Moravian settlements.

house for the three missionaries began early in January

7KHÀUVWRDNWUHHVZHUHSODQWHGGXULQJWKHZLQWHURI

1793.

1794. The missionaries were not allowed to build a

7KHVFKRROLQJRIWKHÀUVWSXSLOVVWDUWHGLQ0DUFK

church in terms of the conditions of the permit that

1793 in the living room of their house, the Sendelings-

they obtained from the VOC. However, under the First

kamers. The diaries kept by the missionaries give a de-

%ULWLVK2FFXSDWLRQ WKHÀUVWFKXUFKEXLOGLQJ

tailed account of the challenges they faced and they

was erected, now known as the Middelhuis. Both the

also provide insights into the interaction with the Khoi

water mill and the smithy were built in 1797. Upon

VSHFLÀFDOO\DQGZLWK&DSHVRFLHW\DQGWKHFRORQLVWVLQ

completion, Kühnel began to train apprentices in the

general.

making of knives, the most popular of which was the pruning-knife for vines. Among the Cape farmers and their slaves, and later farm labourers, they became known as the Hernnhutter knives.

14

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

Just four years after completion of the original church building, it was already too small and a new church had to be built. Construction on the second church, with its stepped gables, commenced in 1799.

ƒ As early as 1825 Hans Peter Hallbeck, a Swedish theologist who came to Genadendal, had a room at the school prepared as a library. ƒ *HQDGHQGDOEHFDPHWKHÀUVW¶LQGXVWULDO·WRZQLQ

The werf was by that stage well-established and also

South Africa, as several trades were practised, in-

recorded on a plan. The second church building, or

cluding carpentry (windows and doors, and espe-

trapgewelkerk, was inaugurated on 8 January 1800 and

cially furniture, were made using indigenous

served both as church building and as school. It contin-

woods), wagon building, blacksmithing, tannery,

XHGWREHXVHGDVVXFKXQWLOWKHÀUVWVFKRROEXLOGLQJ

copper-smithing, the making of woollen hats, the

was completed in 1814. The third church building, com-

VWXIÀQJRIPDWWUHVVHVDQGWKHZHDYLQJRIUXVK

pleted in 1893, was built on the site of the trapgewelkerk and is still in use today. Genadendal is known for a range of milestones and achievements: ƒ 7KHÀUVWQXUVHU\VFKRROLQ6RXWK$IULFDZDVLQDXJX-

mats. ƒ An early printing press was put into service at Genadendal and vines were planted, a cellar was built and the missionaries obtained a licence to sell wine. In 1805 General J.A. De Mist, the Commissioner-Gener-

rated in Genadendal on 12 September 1831, when

al of the Cape, visited Baviaanskloof and a request was

114 pre-school learners were enrolled. This building

made by the missionaries to rename the village. Gener-

is now known as the Gemeentekamers.

al Jansens, Governor of the Cape under the Batavian

ƒ 2Q6HSWHPEHUWKHÀUVWWHDFKHUV·WUDLQLQJ

Republic, formally issued a proclamation that on 1 Jan-

institution in South Africa opened its doors to stu-

uary 1806 the name of the town should be changed to

dents. It now houses the main museum. This two-

¶*HQDGHQGDO·

storeyed building with its thatched roof and holbol

The oldest residential area of Genadendal was

central and end gables is in all probability a conver-

planned directly to the west (Bergstraat side) of the

sion of a more modest building dating from around

church werf. In 1802 the reedy and boggy valley was

1800.

cleared to provide fertile farmland, while residential

ƒ 7KHÀUVWPXOWLVSDQEULGJHLQ6RXWK$IULFDWKH

houses were erected in rows against the hillside. Irriga-

Breinbrecht Bridge, was built over the Sonderend

tion furrows were also dug on the contours for water-

River near Genadendal by the men of the settle-

ing the gardens. Genadendal became one of the most

ment in 1819/1820. Despite being damaged by

ÁRXULVKLQJWRZQVLQWKH&DSHGXULQJWKHWKFHQWXU\

ÁRRGVLWZDVUHSDLUHGDQGPDLQWDLQHG,QWKH

By 1806 there were nearly 230 houses for the 1234 resi-

wooden superstructure was replaced by steelwork.

dents of Genadendal, compared to 93 houses at Stel-

Genadendal also has the oldest pipe organ, as well

lenbosch, 18 at Swellendam and 20 at Graaff-Reinet.

DVWKHROGHVWÀUHHQJLQHLQ6RXWK$IULFD

After the emancipation of the slaves in 1838, the number of Genadendal residents increased considera-

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

15

Figure 5 Interior of the missionaries’ premises at Gnadenthal (From C.I. Latrobe, Journal of a visit to South Africa, in 1815 and 1816, p. 270. Collection National Library of the Netherlands, The Hague)

Figure 6 Interior of the church at Gnadenthal (From C.I. Latrobe, Journal of a visit to South Africa, in 1815 and 1816, p. 64. Collection National Library of the Netherlands, The Hague)

16

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

bly and by 1847 there were 260 houses and 217 huts. By 1875 the town had 482 houses. Genadendal has al-

4

South African research and surveys

ways remained the norm for the establishment of other mission settlements in the Cape. Over and above the architectural legacy of Ge-

Conservation architect, urban planner and academic Lucien le Grange undertook a detailed conservation

nadendal, there is also a rich intangible heritage. This

study of Moravian mission settlements in the Western

includes a wide variety of subjects, such as the contri-

and Southern Cape in the early 1990s. This study high-

bution that both the Khoi descendants and the Europe-

lighted the importance of the Moravian mission settle-

an (mostly German-speaking) missionaries made to-

ments that were established in the late 18th and 19th

wards the medicinal use of plants, especially

century in the Cape Colony and argued how these set-

indigenous plants, the development of a musical tradi-

tlements, some of substantial size, played an impor-

tion (the Basiunkoor or brass band of Genadendal cele-

tant role as refuges for the dispossessed Khoisan and

brated its 150th birthday in 2007) and the contribution

freed slaves. The study also recorded and evaluated

that its inhabitants made towards the development of

the planning principles, commonalities and challenges

the Afrikaans language. The establishment of the Ge-

that each settlement faced. It further recognized and

nadendal Mission Museum and the pioneering work un-

recorded various individual historical structures in

dertaken by the Director of the Museum, Dr. Isaac

WKHVH0RUDYLDQVHWWOHPHQWVDQGLGHQWLÀHGFRQVHUYD-

Balie, and his staff to assemble one of the most au-

tion-worthy areas within the housing precincts and li-

thentic museum collections in South Africa must be ac-

turgical core areas.

knowledged. In 1988 the museum collection was de-

The value of this Conservation Study was highlight-

clared a national treasure because of its historical and

ed with the commissioning in 1993 by the South African

cultural importance. In addition, many of the residents

Department of Environmental Affairs of a team from

made their mark in history by participating in the

the Faculty of Architecture and Planning of the Univer-

struggle for a democratic South Africa. The history of

sity of Cape Town to undertake a survey of all the sig-

Genadendal epitomised the achievements that could

QLÀFDQWPLVVLRQVHWWOHPHQWVLQ6RXWK$IULFD7KHVXUYH\

be reached when people from different backgrounds

was undertaken in consultation with colleagues at oth-

work together towards a common goal.

er universities and institutions in South Africa.

Early in 1995 the former President of South Africa,

In 1997, as part of the development of a rural devel-

Nelson Mandela, announced that he had decided to re-

opment strategy for Genadendal, the community in co-

name the presidential residence on the Groote Schuur

operation with LANOK (now Casidra, the rural develop-

(VWDWHLQ&DSH7RZQ¶*HQDGHQGDO·WRKRQRXUWKHFRQ-

ment agency in Western Cape) commissioned the

tribution made by this Moravian settlement to the his-

development of a community tourism plan. Through a

tory of South Africa.

series of workshops involving representation of the various stakeholder groups in the community, a tourism

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

17

tial of Genadendal and environs. The study was further used to develop funding proposals that were submitted for consideration to the European Union.

5

The development of the HGIS-C project application

During its 1998 General Assembly meeting held in Figure 7 Signing the Memorandum of Agreement between Delft University of Technology and the Western Cape Cultural Committee.

Stockholm, Sweden, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) established a permanent SciHQWLÀF&RPPLWWHHIRU6KDUHG&RORQLDO$UFKLWHFWXUHDQG

plan was drafted and a set of action plans were devel-

Town Planning. Professor Frits van Voorden of Delft

oped to coordinate the implementation of the Ge-

8QLYHUVLW\RI7HFKQRORJ\ZDVHOHFWHGDVÀUVW&KDLUSHU-

nadendal Community Tourism Plan. The action plans

VRQRIWKLV6FLHQWLÀF&RPPLWWHHEDVHGRQKLVFRQWLQ-

contained in the set were:

ued interest in the research and practice of the con-

ƒ WUDLQLQJFRPPXQLFDWLRQDQGPDUNHWLQJ

servation of historic towns and landscapes, as well as

ƒ LPSURYHPHQWRIWKHWRZQDQGDFOHDQXSSURJUDP

the architecture shared by people of many racial and

ƒ accommodation and management of

ethnic backgrounds – not only in South Africa, but also

DFFRPPRGDWLRQ ƒ H[SHULHQFLQJQDWXUH

across continents. At the Fourth World Archaeological Congress (WAC)

ƒ FRPPXQLW\EDVHGFXOWXUDOWRXULVPDQG

in Cape Town in January 1999, Van Voorden contacted

ƒ music as a tourism attraction.

the author to discuss a possible future cooperation be-

In 2000 the Western Cape Minister of Finance and Agri-

tween the Netherlands and South Africa on a proposed

culture, Mr. Lampie Fick, commissioned an in-depth

restoration and urban renewal project for Genadendal.

study for the strategic development of Genadendal,

The then recently announced Dutch program HGIS-C

Bereaville, Boschmanskloof and Voorstekraal. A number

formed the basis of the proposal. Discussions continued

of studies and reports compiled on the development

following a visit to Mamre, another historic Moravian

potential of Genadendal, dating from as early as 1988,

settlement north of Cape Town, and on the evening of

ZHUHDOVRUHVHDUFKHG7KHFRQVXOWDQWVGHYHORSHGDÀ-

11 January 1999 the framework for the project was set

nancial model that could be used as a basis for the

out on a paper serviette in a restaurant!

planning of capital and operating costs of agricultural

In December 1999 a follow-up visit to the Nether-

and commercial commodities that were to be pro-

lands by the author led to meetings in The Hague with

duced. The plan also included a socio-economic survey

RIÀFLDOVRIWKH0LQLVWU\RI)RUHLJQ$IIDLUV-DQ:3

to test the economic development and growth poten-

Kennis) and of the Ministry of Education, Culture and

18

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

Sciences (Tanja M. Mensekamp) and consultations were held with the State Department for Conservation (Rijksdienst voor de Monumentenzorg), the Chief GovernPHQW$UFKLWHFWXUDO2IÀFHBureau Rijksbouwmeester) and ICOMOS-Netherlands. The Department of Environmental and Cultural Affairs and Sport appointed Wendy Arendse on contract to assist in the compilation of the HGIS-C application for the restoration of Genadendal early in 2001. Discussions were held with the then Dutch Consul-General in Cape Town, Harry Molenaar. After a series of consultations with stakeholders, a business plan was written and submitted on 25 April 2001. Following the requirements of accountability and given the complex situation regarding the joint responsibility of both the South African and Dutch partners, it was decided that the Western Cape Cultural Commission would act as the counterpart in South Africa, while Delft University of Technology would be the Dutch counterpart. On 20 July 2001 the Director International Cultural Policy in the Ministry of Education, Culture and SciencHVQRWLÀHGWKH'XWFKDQG6RXWK$IULFDQFRXQWHUSDUWV that the application had been successful and that a subsidy of NLG 2,238,449.20 (€ 1,015,763.96) had been allocated for the HGIS-C Genadendal Restoration

Bredekamp, H.C. & J.L. Hattingh (eds): Das Tagebuch und die Briefe von Georg Schmidt/Dagboek en Briewe van George Schmidt (1737-1744), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 1981. De Boer, J. & E. Temmers: The Unitas Fratrum. Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Missionary and Pastoral Service in Southern Africa (Western Region), Moravian Church in South Africa, Lansdowne 1987. Elphick, R.: Kraal and Castle. Khoikhoi and the founding of White South Africa, London 1977. Elphick, R. & H. Giliomee (eds.): The shaping of South African society. Cape Town 1980. Fransen, H. & M.A. Cook: The Old Buildings of the Cape, A.A. Balkema, Cape Town 1980. Fransen, H.: A Guide to the Old Buildings of the Cape. A survey of extant architecture from before c. 1910 in the area of Cape Town-Calvinia-Colesberg-Uitenhage, Jonathan Ball Publishers, Johannesburg and Cape Town 2004. Hamilton, J.T. and K.G. Hamilton: History of the Moravian Church – The Renewed Unitas Fratrum 1722-1957, Interprovincial Board of Christian Education, Moravian Church in America, Bethlehem, PA, USA 1967. Hutton, J.A.: A History of the Moravian Church, Moravian 3XEOLFDWLRQ2IÀFH/RQGRQ Krüger, B.: The Peer Tree Blossoms: The History of the Moravian Church in South Africa (1737-1869, Genadendal 1966. Le Grange, L. & J. van Papendorp: Conservation and Development of Genadendal, Western Cape Department of Planning, Housing and Local Government, Cape Town 1995. Murtagh, W.J.: Moravian Architecture and Town Planning, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia 1967.

Project.

Oberholster, J.J.: The Historical Monuments of South Africa. The Rembrandt van Rijn Foundation for Culture, Cape Town 1972.

Bibliography

Sleigh, D.: Die Buiteposte: VOC-Buiteposte onder Kaapse bestuur 1652-1795, Protea Boekhuis, Pretoria 2004.

Balie, I.H.T.: Die Geskiedenis van Genadendal 1738-1988, Perskor, Cape Town, 1988. Bredekamp, H.C., A. B. L. Flegg & H.E.F. Plüddemann: The Genadendal Diaries. Diaries of the Herrnhut Missionaries H Marsveld, D. Schwinn and J. Kühnel. Volume I (1792 9ROXPH,, 8QLYHUVLW\RIWKH Western Cape Institute for Historical Research, Bellville.

Van der Linde, H.: Een verkenning naar universele en buitengewone waarden van de nederzettingen van de Unitas Fratrum. Unpublished research document, Zeist 2008.

Genadendal’s Historical Context and Project Set-up

19

20

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale Job Roos, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

1

Introduction

,QDGGLWLRQWR¶UHVHDUFK·WKHDEEUHYLDWLRQŠ0,7VWDQGV

Over the last six years a lot of experience has been

IRUWKHGLIIHUHQWOHYHOVRIVFDOH0RGLÀFDWLRQIRUWKH

brought into the project from the Netherlands as well

smaller scale, Intervention in buildings, and Transfor-

as from the Western Cape. From Dutch side we provid-

mation on sites, landscaping and cities/villages. We

ed funds to subsidize the project, and also brought our

opted for this multilevel approach because we found

approach towards the project. As one can imagine the

that the future task of redevelopment is a major design

North-European approach will always differ from the

task covering existing buildings, structures, sites, cit-

South-African one. These different approaches made

ies, landscape, etc.

this project into a real challenge, and it would not have

The Genadendal HGIS project is almost completed.

been successful if either of the parties had been too

We are now about to start on the last stage of the

rigid. One can imagine that both our attitudes (South

project. Essentially, this means moving the individual

$IULFDQDQG'XWFK ZHUHLQÁXHQFHGE\HDFKRWKHUGXU-

object to the context. This is important because we

ing the project.

want to get the most from the relatively modest in-

The management and subsidy from Dutch side were

YHVWPHQWZHZDQWWRLQGLFDWHFOHDUO\WKHDGGHGYDOXH

handled by Delft University of Technology, the Faculty

for the whole community of Genadendal. The added

of Architecture, Department ®MIT. This is relevant as

value lies in new means of income generation for the

WKLVGHSDUWPHQWLVRFFXSLHGZLWKWKH¶H[LVWLQJIDEULF·

community of Genadendal related to tourism and the

LQDYHU\VSHFLÀFZD\:HWUDLQDQGHGXFDWHHQJLQHHUV

hospitality industry, and new impulses for special

architects with a special attitude and sensibility to-

forms of agriculture. For that reason we carefully con-

ZDUGVWKH¶H[LVWLQJ·,QRXUUHVHDUFKSRUWIROLRWKHIRFXV

sidered the public spaces and their quality, so that the

is on:

identity of Genadendal as a whole could be grasped

1. NQRZOHGJHRIWKHH[LVWLQJ

and enhanced.

2. WKHSK\VLFDOLQWHUYHQWLRQLQWKHH[LVWLQJEXLOGLQJV 3. societal relevance. The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

The last phase of the project has only just begun. Maybe if one takes a good glance at Genadendal today,

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

21

Ministry of BuZa (foreign affairs) & Ministry of VWS (culture)

DELFT

CAPE-TOWN wccc

TUDelft - ®MIT

GENADENDAL Community

Figure 1 Stakeholders involved in the project

Figure 2 Wine estate Constantia

the date of the symposium, most people who are famil-

designer, not as a historian. This is a complex task with

iar with the place may be somewhat disappointed with

an important role for the stakeholders involved in the

the result as a whole and that is why the time of this

project. As in this case we are dealing with shared her-

symposium was strategically chosen. Because now from

itage, the design task is even more complex as the

the Dutch side we are at the stage where we leave the

scheme (the Spiral, a model of thought) will show with

project, the question arises: what do we give to the

HYHQPDQ\PRUHVWDNHKROGHUVLQYROYHGÀJXUH 

SHRSOHRI*HQDGHQGDOZKDWGRZHJLYHWRWKHSHRSOH

There are two ministries in the Netherlands which

ZKRDFWXDOO\VWD\DQGOLYHKHUHZKDWDUHWKHOHVVRQV

are relevant to this project, Foreign Affairs and Cul-

we can learn, what are our recommendations?

ture. Delft University of Technology was asked to monitor and manage the project together with the Western

2

Dealing with heritage

Cape. But important participants such as the munici-

2QHRIWKHÀUVWLVVXHVLVQRWDUHFRPPHQGDWLRQEXWD

pality and the community of Genadendal should have

reminder that restoration of our heritage is not about

been involved more closely right from the beginning of

returning everything to its original state. We study the

the project. The project was initiated by Frits van

past and its values thoroughly as the most important

Voorden en Hannetjie Du Preez at the end of the twen-

input for future planning. But there are also other val-

WLHWKFHQWXU\DQGZDVWUDQVODWHGLQWRDFRKHUHQWÀQDQ-

ues, economic, social, emotional etc. to be considered.

cial plan with several goals to be gained, but mainly to

As a designer you make, together with the schedule of

get the necessary funding from Dutch and South-Afri-

requirements, a new coherent story, you bring in the

can side.

SDVWIURPQHZSHUVSHFWLYHVZLWKDVXUSULVLQJDQGÀW-

To get things done a lot of challenges had to be

ting plot. Actually you bring in history as an important

dealt with. The project was formulated on a higher

issue for the new design and you handle it as a skilled

governmental level, i.e. the level of international col-

22

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

laboration. What could not be foreseen was the fact

WKHLQÁXHQFHLWKDVKDGRQWKHVWUXFWXUHDQGOD\RXWRI

that there were many serious other contributions in

the oldest and 18thFHQWXU\SDUWRI*HQDGHQGDOÀJXUH

kind to the project that were very relevant for its suc-

2).

cess and failure, such as the schedule. From Dutch side

+LVWRU\LVQRWRQO\DERXWIDFWVDQGÀJXUHVEXWDOVR

we had not expected that the process would take near-

about intangible heritage and values, and even about

ly seven years instead of the planned three. Of course

what is in our minds. History is also a matter of the

we were aware of the holistic approach of the project

idea that people have about history and much more

and the absolute needs of redevelopment, but during

than the drawings or photographs of the past. Of

the process a lot of unexpected items and new experi-

course they help us to understand, but we have to in-

ences emerged. These included:

WHUSUHWDQGWU\WRÀQGRXWWKHUHDOVSLULWRIWKHSODFH

ƒ the existence of many stakeholders on the South Af-

We have to understand what really is important and

ULFDQVLGH ƒ the slow adoption by the people of Genadendal, ZKLOHWKHSURMHFWVKRXOGEHFRPPXQLW\GULYHQ ƒ the indifference of the municipality of Genadendal GXULQJWKHÀUVWWKUHH\HDUVRIWKHSURMHFW ƒ the uneasiness of the Moravian church (owner of

has to be taken into account on redevelopment. We have to deal with values, which from both a historical and architectural point of view, are very important. This needs an appropriate approach and attitude in the design task, as was for instance formulated by the EuURSHDQDUFKLWHFW&KULVWLDQ6FKLWWLFK¶:KDWLVUHTXLUHG

the mission werf), apart from being a sanctuary,

is less an ability to invent than one to reassign and in-

DERXWFKDQJHVLQWKHXVHRIWKHVLWH

terpret. This leads to a new understanding of the ob-

ƒ the bureaucratic barriers from South-African govHUQPHQWUHJDUGLQJWKHKRXVLQJVXEVLG\ ƒ the lack of management and the shift in focus of in-

ject: conversions are hybrids that are contradictions in themselves. They are in opposition to the view that designing is an individual creative act to the idea of a

terest from South African side due to the delays af-

newly designed, homogeneous and autonomous

fecting the project.

REMHFW· Now this may look like a complex approach to the

3

Design with history

design task in Genadendal, but we should not confuse

To understand the plan of Genadendal as it is today,

the outcome of the design task and the way it can be

one has to do research about the origin of the place it-

implemented. Designing, taking history and value into

self and look in a broader perspective at Africa at the

account, particularly where a shared heritage is con-

beginning of colonisation when only about 5000 Euro-

cerned, is actually complex from an architectural point

peans were living on this continent. For instance, at

of view. That does not mean the outcome has to be

the time Genadendal was established, there were oth-

complex, but the way you want to reach your goals,

er places such as the wine estate Constantia near Cape

with many aspects involved, asks for a special ap-

Town. Looking at this wine estate closely, one can see

proach, the right skills and good communication. The

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

23

Figure 3 Vulnerable heritage

Figure 4 Valuable defenseless adobe structure

social sustainability and adobe lines up with historical continuity

Figure 5 The Spiral, a model of thought

24

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

involvement of many stakeholders makes it essential

ure 5) is an attempt to contribute to how we determine

that at the end of the process (or even during the proc-

value. The transparent column in the middle repre-

ess) there is a clear structure for the development

sents the historical continuity. The climbing spiral is

plan. That means one needs a comprehensive story

the line of design and represents the process. Click-on

with a good plot to convince whom it concerns.

lines connect the historical continuity to the value lines which are at the side and keep the spiral in place.

4

Value

Everybody has their own views of historical values,

These value lines correspond with the historical continuity and represent all the different other values that

ZKLFKZHFDQGHÀQHJLYHQRXUEDFNJURXQGV,ZRXOG

come into the process:

like to discuss our appreciation of value. One of the

ƒ the stakeholders, those in charge, those who speak

main characteristics of value is that the concept of value is applicable to all human actions and every human consideration. In essence a value is no less than that which is desirable to obtain or keep, whether material or intangible. Values are relative in the sense that for

DQGWKRVHZKRGRQ·W ƒ basic needs, emotion, socio-economical GHYHORSPHQW ƒ beauty, colour, preciousness, imperfection, human IDFHSXEOLFDZDUHQHVV

every value the question is: valuable for whom and for

ƒ SULGH

ZKDW"$QGIRUHYHU\YDOXHWKHUHLVDQDOWHUQDWLYHZKR-

ƒ possibly the most important one: social

ever evaluates makes choices. The value of posses-

sustainability.

sions, the economic value of things, is obvious, wheth-

Everybody is talking about sustainability, but what does

HURUQRWH[SUHVVHGLQPRQH\0RUHGLIÀFXOWDUH

this term actually really mean? I think that for Ge-

intangible values which cannot be expressed in terms

nadendal the most important thing is the social sus-

of money, such as the aesthetic and cultural historical

tainability. In the scheme everything is present at the

value of a building or place. The cultural historic value

base, all the investigations and the formal value as-

of a building or a site can often be found in the vulner-

sessments of buildings and sites. Then the design proc-

able, the unexpected, in the accidental and the unin-

ess starts with a survey, analysis, principles, models,

WHQWLRQDOÀJXUH 6RPHWLPHVLWLVHYLGHQWO\SUHVHQW

design choice, development and execution: from tangi-

in other cases it lies underneath the surface as some-

ble to intangible, and then to tangible again. One dis-

thing that hides itself and will therefore remain un-

covers the plot and this discovery in Genadendal means

touched and intact. Value must also be sought in the

that all levels of scale are involved. The plot of the de-

LPSHUIHFWLRQVZKDWGRHVQRWÀWLVXQÀQLVKHGVKRZVD

sign process in Genadendal (there is still much work to

KXPDQIDFHPD\HYHQEHGHIHQFHOHVVRU¶DGREH·LQ

EHGRQHWKHSURMHFWLVUHDOO\RQO\LQWKHÀUVWVWDJHRI

WKHVHQVHRIYXOQHUDEOHVHHÀJXUH 

redevelopment) has to do with the fact that the histor-

$VPHQWLRQHGHDUOLHULWLVGLIÀFXOWWRGHWHUPLQHYDOXHVLQWKHGHVLJQSURFHVV7KHGLDJUDPWKH6SLUDOÀJ-

ical continuity has to be connected to social sustainability. Genadendal is a very subtle place, actually built

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

25

Figure 6 The settlement of Genadendal is U-shaped, also called the horse shoe

Figure 7 Bus wrecks at the breakpoint between valley and Mission Werf

Figure 8 Schoolgrounds behind barbed wire

from adobe, and you have to treat it with great care

er, with outstanding values but hardly used in an ap-

and awareness of social sustainability. This should be

propriate way.

linked to the aspects of historical continuity which ac-

,QWKHPLGGOHRIWKHKRUVHVKRHZHÀQGWKHYDOOH\

tually mean something, and should be sustainable in it-

ÀJXUH WKHRULJLQDODJULFXOWXUDODUHDDJULFXOWXUDO

VHOI7KLVLVWKH¶SORW·DQGFKDOOHQJHRIWKHUHGHYHORS-

heart from a historical point of view) which is hardly

ment of the settlement of Genadendal.

used nowadays. Two rivers run through the valley, and the old, highly sophisticated waterlei (irrigation) sys-

5

Levels of scale, challenges and value during the first three years

tem is still there. The valley today looks somehow ruined but very beautiful: a historical beautiful pattern of weaving paths and bridges, that interconnect the two opposite lateral sides of the horseshoe, are still in

5.1

Valley

use today. There is great potential for both tourism

The position of Genadendal situated between the

and agriculture. The valley itself does not stand on its

PRXQWDLQVDFWXDOO\LV¶DGREH·,QWKH2YHUEHUJDUHDWKH

own, but is also connected to the heart of the horse-

horseshoe-shaped settlement of Genadendal is very

shoe: the werf and the mountains behind it. When you

typical but also affected by regular storm waters. Tak-

walk out of the valley towards the mission werf, then

ing a look at Genadendal today, you recognize the very

\RXFRPHWRDSRLQWZKHUHWKHUHDUHEXVZUHFNVÀJXUH

nice, beautiful landscape and the rich history. It is all

7), as a symbol of carelessness and neglect. They are

there, so the potential of the place from an economic

positioned on a very vulnerable position in the transi-

point of view is enormous. The potential of the place is

tion zone between valley and werf. The school grounds

also in the fact that there are several areas which form

QHDUE\DUHVXUURXQGHGE\VHFXULW\IHQFHVÀJXUH 

the backbone of Genadendal, interrelated to each oth-

which underlines the neglect of quality of the place. It

26

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

Figure 9 Water-lei system of the werf

Figure 10 Restoration of the werf buildings

Figure 11 The Genadendal hiking trail

is in these transition zones between the different areas

WDXUDQWJXHVWKRXVHVÀJXUH DQGWRXULVWIXQFWLRQV

of Genadendal that not only historical values but espe-

on the werf. From an economical point of view and

cially human values like pride are at stake. In the origi-

with regard to hospitality the focus was on the restau-

nal project no money was available for improving the

rant, but this was only slowly adopted by the church

valley.

which took a conservative position in this matter.

5.2

Werf

5.3

Mountains

Of course, the mission werf is the heart of the settle-

When you walk across the mission werf, you can go

ment (the religious heart from a historical point of

VWUDLJKWLQWRWKHPRXQWDLQVÀJXUH WKHQDWXUDO

view) and a lot of attention in the project is focussed

heart from a historical point of view. This is an area

on it. It is important to acknowledge the historical val-

with major potential: a tourist strolling or hiking in na-

ue of the werf, but we should not overlook the fact

ture discovers the beauty of the place. Other possibili-

that the value of the place is not only founded in the

ties, like future agriculture, are certainly there. Inno-

individual objects of the church and its buildings, but

vative ideas about exploitation of higher grounds,

also in the layout of the werf as a whole with its sur-

combined with new methods on irrigation, initiated by

rounding gardens, windmill, waterleiV\VWHPÀJXUH 

the department of Agriculture, are being developed.

nursery, graveyard, path into the mountains, subtle dif-

This underlines the potential and holistic approach of

ferences in elevation, etc.

the project.

In the original project the houses were effectively

If we take a good look at these three hearts (na-

restored with thatched roofs and colourful lime-

ture, religion and valley) in the project, we are aware

washed walls. But the big challenge was to handle the

of the fact that they are interesting themselves but are

GLIIHUHQW¶FODLPV·DERXWWKHXVHRIWKHEXLOGLQJVDVUHV-

also interrelated and they form the historical spirit of

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

27

Figure 12 The religious and cultural heart of Genadendal

the place. Of course there are the historical (mainly

religious heart can continue to serve this function, but

from the nineteenth century) houses of the people of

it should also be a cultural heart at the centre of Ge-

Genadendal, but the place gains in meaning and spirit

nadendal. The subtle balance with the sanctuary of the

if one takes the rich historical context into account. So

SODFHFRXOGEHYHU\DWWUDFWLYHWRWRXULVPÀJXUH 

there is the beautiful nature, there is the religious site,

The valley needs a lot of attention, there are many

and there is the valley, which was formerly a source of

problems relating to water management but there is

food. Now we can and must carefully re-use these

also a great potential. Much of what is to be done like

WKUHHSUHFLRXV¶KHDUWV·LQDZD\WKDWLWKHOSVWKHUHGH-

cleaning up the valley, which takes a lot of effort, re-

velopment of Genadendal.

pairing structures, such as the water irrigation system,

Better use could be made of the natural values of

and introducing new forms of agriculture goes beyond

the area, it is attractive to tourists and agriculture can

WKHÀQDQFLDOVFRSHRIWKHSURMHFWDOWKRXJKDVPDOOEH-

be supported with appropriate water management.

ginning was made.

This all needs engineering and still a lot of time. The

28

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

6

Shift in the programme, challenges and values over the last three years

GXFHGKLVÀUVWGUDZLQJ7KLVGUDZLQJÀJXUH LQLWLDWHGWKHVKLIWLQWKHSURJUDPPH,WVKRZHGIRUWKHÀUVW time, in spite of all the good things that happened to individual houses of citizens of Genadendal and to the

The discovery of the three interrelated hearts of the

houses on the werfZKDWWKH¶SORW·ZDVRIKLVWRULFDO

place and their transition to some kind of new mean-

and prospective Genadendal: the landscape binds it all

ing, which is actually based on the original value of the

together, delivers the necessary impact and reveals

place, resulted in a shift in the program. This hap-

that the character of the place could be grasped more

pened halfway during the process, after three years. It

easily.

ZDVDWLPHRIUHHYDOXDWLQJ*UHDWGLIÀFXOWLHVLQWKH

The drawing showed the historical patterns: the val-

project had to be overcome. One of the main issues on

ley with all the paths, rivers, historical irrigation sys-

the South African side was the housing project. The

tem and structure. The werf was given special atten-

original estimated number of 400 houses in Genaden-

tion as the real heart of Genadendal. Great care was

dal that had to be lifted to higher standards (renova-

given to all the transitions between public and private

tion with addition of bathrooms and sewerage) could

space. Semi-public, semi-private etc. were treated in a

not be reached. This was caused by the bureaucratic

very subtle way. Consequently the werf was no longer

V\VWHPRIUXUDOKRXVLQJVXEVLG\7KLVV\VWHPZDVQRWÀW

a place which was rather tired and eroded, but became

for dealing with an integrated approach with historical

an attractive place to be. Also a lot of attention was

features within rather tight time limits. So in the end

paid to the surrounding area of the werf such as the

RQO\DERXWRQHKXQGUHGKRXVHVFRXOGEHÀQLVKHG7KLV

nursery and the cemetery. On the side of the river the

was a big problem until we realized we could let it

surrounding landscape and gardens became accessible

ZRUNWRRXUEHQHÀW7KHELJGLVDSSRLQWPHQWDQGGLVDG-

and the historical waterlei system was repaired.

vantage was transferred into an opportunity: we spent

All this design work was done with an awareness of

the money on landscaping and streetscape. In this way

the special character of the place and took into ac-

we could reinforce the holistic approach of the Gena-

count that it should be an attractive place for tourists:

dendal project, which of course was originally there

it was about enhancing the sanctuary character and

from the start.

enhancing the new use of the werf which is essentially about hospitality. This resulted in a plan with attrac-

6.1

Landscape

tive scenery, with implementation of the new users of

The shift in the programme was catalysed by landscape

the werf: the restaurant, the printing museum, the

architect Johan van Papendorp, who was brought into

weaving house, the blacksmiths, the mill, etc. The res-

the project after about three years. There were two

taurant should also be extended with a terrace. This

moments I do remember very well: a pleasant and ana-

was not an easy task because we had to execute it

lysing walk through the valley and the moment he pro-

with respect to the character of the place: you cannot

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

29

Figure 13 Landscape masterplan by OvP Associates

30

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

Figure 14 Re-interpretation of the old path in the middle of the Werf

put it on the middle of the werf but you cannot hide it

the other interrelated areas. Although not all proposed

somewhere in the gardens either. A subtle solution was

design issues could be implemented, such as the inte-

found, almost hidden, yet at the same time in a very

gration of the busy road along the church as a part of

nice position between two buildings.

the werf (bureaucratic procedures again), a lot has

Another important issue in the landscape design

been gained here.

was the werf itself with its hard and soft landscaping: necessary infrastructure (sewerage) and new surface of

6.2

the werf together with a reinterpretation of the old

$SDUWRIWKHODQGVFDSHFDQEHGHÀQHGDVVWUHHWVFDSH

Streetscape and individual houses

SDWKLQWKHPLGGOHÀJXUH :KDWLVH[WUHPHO\JRRG

and this was also included after the shift of the pro-

about the landscaping on and around the werf is the

gramme. If one takes a look at the new streetscape

fact that it focuses on the werf itself and at the same

ÀJXUH RI%HUJVWUDDWLWLVYHU\FOHDUWKDWDSDUWIURP

time, because of the well designed transition zones, on

the restoration according to the guidelines and improv-

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

31

Figure 15 The new streetscape of Bergstraat

LQJWKHFRPIRUWRIWKHKRXVHVÀJXUH DVZDVGH-

Now, working with Van Papendorp, a high standard

signed by Lucien Le Grange, the new context of these

of technical and esthetical design has been reached: a

houses which binds them all together is of great impor-

subtle transition between public and private areas ini-

tance. The contribution by Verhoef and Retieff ex-

tiated by the technical needs of storm water drainage.

plains that the technical issues of the adobe houses ask

The effect of this design should not be underestimat-

IRUDVSHFLÀFDQG¶ÁH[LEOH·DQGSRVVLEO\LPSHUIHFWDS-

HGDSDUWIURPWKHDWWUDFWLYHDSSHDUDQFHLWGHÀQHVWKH

proach.

private place of people instead of being a neglected

The context primarily concerns the transition zone

place next to a well restored house. But it also helps to

between the individual houses and the public street.

prevent deterioration of the restored houses of Ge-

Johan van Papendorp took care of the design of the

nadendal, which are still built of adobe and are there-

area and worked with the engineers of the municipality

fore vulnerable.

of Genadendal. A very interesting collaboration because at the beginning of the project this would haven

6.3

been impossible. It is the same municipality that a few

What we also managed to do in the transitional shift of

years earlier installed concrete slabs in the public

the plan was to add more individual houses, mainly in

VSDFHRIWKHKLVWRULFDOVHWWOHPHQWÀJXUH %XWRYHU

Volkstraat. In this way the balance between invest-

time bureaucratic barriers were eliminated.

ment in public space and private houses would not be

32

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

Programme and individual houses

Figure 16 Bathrooms are added to the back of the houses

Figure 17 In the past, conrete slabs were used in the public space

emphasized. Of course, after this shift in the pro-

that it is enhanced by working on several levels of

gramme it took some effort to convince Dutch and

scale simultaneously. We can show possibilities, al-

South African counterparts, but it contributed to the

though the end result is not there yet, and we can use

original purposes of the project of integrated develop-

history. Using history and its authenticity makes it es-

ment.

sential to identify the spirit of the place, for both the people in Genadendal and for the people who visit it.

7

Recommendations

If people visit Genadendal success is imminent and

Social sustainability, restoring pride and providing a

more development will take place. That is the main

real perspective for the future for the people of Ge-

reason to get people involved.

nadendal is what we are aiming for. History is its ele-

The plan for the use of the site, and its history and

gant vehicle which has to be taken care of in a profes-

authenticity, mean that you have to use the structure.

sional way. After more than six years Genadendal,

Understanding the spatial and urban structure of Ge-

there are some recommendations and observations we

QDGHQGDOLVYHU\LPSRUWDQW,QÀJXUH\RXFDQVHH

can make.

the settlement that developed in the beginning of the

Social sustainability has become increasingly impor-

1990s. We are not to judge whether that is right or

tant during the course of the project, thanks to the

wrong. People can live there but it is a pity that it has

shift in the program. Consequently we had the possibil-

been developed in isolation and without the awareness

ity to introduce a greater range of measures over the

of the historical development of Genadendal. The so-

past six years than originally envisaged. Although it

cial sustainability will be enhanced when the further

may look like very little, and is indeed rather limited,

development of Genadendal could build on the histori-

this great variety gives better perspectives. I think is a

cal structure.

good underlying structure for further development and

At he end of the formal project the community of

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

33

Figure 18 Genadendal with the addition from the early nineteen nineties

Genadendal has a challenge to face. We, the Dutch

ty which can help enhance this place and get people

side, are leaving the process and I think the Western

involved. Continuing the development of Genadendal

Cape maybe too. At present there is possibly no effec-

you should be aware of the fact that you are essentially

tive management, supervision might be a better word,

a co-author and you have to act with this adobe struc-

which can monitor effectively the work that follows. I

ture, an adobe structure which not only consists of

think there should be a sympathetic person or authori-

stones but actually stands for the whole of Genaden-

34

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

dal. Take away bureaucratic barriers if you can. History

dal. And last but not least there is maintenance. I have

should be protected against redevelopment. This is

no solution for that, apart from commenting that you

very important and I think that is why supervision and

need entrepreneurship and revolving funds so you need

monitoring are very important because in that way you

employment here, which is the only way we can keep

can control what will happen further on in Genaden-

Genadendal safe for the future.

Value Assessment at Various Levels of Scale

35

36

Genadendal: Conservation and Development Lucien le Grange and Ivan Smidt, Le Grange Architects & Urban Planners, South Africa

1

Introduction

This reality has always been understood from the inception of the project. However, within the condition

The conservation project of the Moravian mission set-

where the historic fabric and buildings of the settle-

tlement of Genadendal was commissioned in July 2002

ment were fast eroding, attempts at engaging with

DQGÀQDQFHGE\ERWKWKH1HWKHUODQGV*RYHUQPHQWDQG

conservation could not be deferred until such socio-

the Western Cape Cultural Commission (a public entity

economic issues were resolved. Conservation under

responsible to the Department of Cultural Affairs and

these circumstances can only serve as a catalyst for so-

Sport, Provincial Government of the Western Cape).

FLDODQGHFRQRPLFDGYDQFHPHQWLWFDQQRWDOWHUWKH

The Genadendal Project has sought to contribute to-

above-mentioned social pathologies by itself. It has

wards the restoration and development of the greater

been with this in mind that the conservation and de-

Genadendal area.

velopment work of the project was seen as a means by

,QPDQ\UHVSHFWVWKLVZRUNKDVEHHQD¶SURMHFWRI KRSH·'HVSLWHLWVULFKKLVWRU\*HQDGHQGDOOLNHVR

ZKLFK¶WRPDNHKRSHODVW·1 Amidst conditions of uncertainty, conservation work

many of the historic mission settlements in South Afri-

KDVEHHQFDUULHGRXWLQ*HQDGHQGDORYHUWKHSDVWÀYH

ca, represents a community in despair. While the Mora-

years. One of the main instruments through which the

YLDQ&KXUFKFRQWLQXHVWRKROGVRPHLQÁXHQFHRYHUWKH

conservation work, at different scales, has been exe-

welfare of the settlement, the local community has

cuted, was the document Genadendal: Conservation

been subjected to many of the economic deprivations

and Use Plan.2:KLOHLWVLQÁXHQFHKDVQRWEHHQDV

and social ills that characterize much of previously dis-

wide-spread as was hoped for, its content has guided

advantaged rural communities in South Africa. Poverty,

GHFLVLRQPDNLQJDQGLQÁXHQFHGWKHSROLF\LPSOHPHQWD-

unemployment, a growing alienation from nature and

tion of various agencies. This paper discusses the main

an absence of community pride permeate the social

content of this document with a view to using it as a

fabric. In this social and economic context, the conser-

means by which to evaluate progress and to extend the

YDWLRQRIWKHEXLOWHQYLURQPHQWSDOHVLQVLJQLÀFDQFH

promotion of its contents. Furthermore, the conserva-

compared to the harsh everyday life of the inhabitants.

tion work now in progress (and completed as regards

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

37

Figure 1 Layout of the greater Genadendal: incorporating Genadendal, Voorstekraal, Bereaville and Boschmanskloof, not to scale (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2003)

WKHÀQDQFLQJE\WKH1HWKHUODQGV*RYHUQPHQW LVHYDOX-

certain problems and opportunities that need to be

ated in terms of its impact on issues of economic de-

considered in the ongoing conservation and develop-

velopment, socio-cultural progress and the restoration

ment of the greater Genadendal settlement.

of the physical environment. It concludes by discussing

38

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

2

The conservation and use plan

approached as an integral part of development, i.e. being part and parcel of the improvement of the economic and social conditions of a community.

The Genadendal: Conservation and Use Plan was pre-

In the case of the greater Genadendal, where ab-

pared in the period 2002/2003 and made provision for

ject poverty exists and where unemployment is a

the adoption of general, as well as detailed conserva-

structural condition within the community, it was con-

WLRQSROLFLHVIRUJUHDWHU*HQDGHQGDOVHHÀJXUH ,Q

sidered that conservation must be linked to concrete

addition it also framed broad management principles

projects of development. In the face of extreme low-

and certain general suggestions for cultural resource

income levels, growing unemployment, the decay of a

management. While it did not constitute a fully devel-

sense of community pride and the increase of social

oped Conservation Management Plan, it included the

and health problems (i.e. drug abuse, HIV-aids, etc.),

GHVLJQRIVSHFLÀF&RQVHUYDWLRQ'HYHORSPHQW)UDPH-

conservation initiatives must instill a sense of hope. In

ZRUNVDV¶DFWLRQSODQV·IRU*UHDWHU*HQDGHQGDOWKDW

this respect, the envisaged dimensions of employment

could put certain restoration and repair work into op-

generation, skills training, heritage education and en-

eration and provide a basis by which to test manage-

vironmental upgrading that formed part of the project

ment strategies.

needed to be carefully monitored.

The more immediate use of the Conservation and

It was also argued that within this general context,

Use Plan was to give guidance to the important conser-

the immediate conservation and restoration work of

vation and development work of the HGIS-C Genaden-

the project had to be consistently integrated with oth-

dal Restoration Project. It was also prepared to guide

er developmental initiatives, such as viable agricultural

3

the work of Casidra under the Rural Housing Subsidy

redevelopment projects, small-scale industrial enter-

that was to be implemented in parallel with the HGIS-C

prise development and cultural tourism. Without the

project. This adopted plan was conceived with three

implementation of such broader initiatives, the pros-

particular principles in mind, namely that of conserva-

pect of conserving and restoring the natural and built

tion being inseparable from development, that of inte-

environment of Genadendal would be severely

grated planning, and the idea of development

hampered.

¶IUDPHZRUNV·

2.2 2.1

Integrated planning and development

Conservation and development

With a view to enhancing the prospect of urban con-

The issue of the conservation of the natural and built

servation, the Conservation and Use Plan advocated a

environment within a settlement such as Genadendal

holistic approach that incorporated aspects of social,

ZDV²DQGVWLOOUHPDLQV²FRPSOH[DQGIUDXJKWZLWKGLIÀ-

cultural and economic development. Integrated plan-

FXOWLHV&HUWDLQO\ZLWKLQD¶GHYHORSLQJ·DQGSRVWFRORQL-

ning implied not only the delivery of physical products,

al context, conservation is doomed to fail if it is not

but also the creation and nurturing of processes of

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

39

skills development and community empowerment that

future restoration and conservation work. Typically

aimed to ensure sustainability. It was further argued

VXFKPDVWHUSODQVWHQGHGWRDUWLFXODWHDGHÀQHGFRQ-

that integrated planning should pursue different sourc-

clusion or end state, based on immediately perceived

es of funding and by necessity needed to include a

needs. They were often not able to accommodate un-

wide range of stakeholders and actors. With this un-

certainties or changes in needs.

derstanding the adoption of an integrated plan in the

The master plan approach also typically saw devel-

context of the Genadendal Restoration Project had in

opment in sectoral terms, be it from the point of view

WKHÀUVWSODFHWRGHDOERWKZLWKFRQVHUYDWLRQDQGGH-

of funding, transport or infrastructure provision and

velopment. In the second place the plan had not just

XSJUDGLQJRUVSHFLÀFODQGXVHDOORFDWLRQV4 In addition,

to be preoccupied with the enhancement and comple-

such plans had typically been owned and initiated by

tion of physical products (i.e. improved buildings, up-

external agencies tasked with executing planning func-

graded streets etc.), but had to be sustainable and

tions. These comprehensive or master plan methods,

must be aimed at empowering the community, which

which were previously considered for Genadendal, had

included, amongst others:

SURYHGWREHLQÁH[LEOHDQGODFNLQJLQWKHFDSDFLW\WR

ƒ the strengthening of existing community

be implemented in an integrated manner.

RUJDQL]DWLRQV

,QFRQWUDVWD¶FRQVHUYDWLRQGHYHORSPHQWIUDPH-

ƒ WKHGHYHORSPHQWRIQHZFRPPXQLW\RUJDQL]DWLRQV

ZRUN·VWUDWHJ\ZDVSURSRVHGWKDWE\LWVQDWXUHZDVWR

ƒ the generation of skills from the very start of the

EHPRUHÁH[LEOHDQGWKDWFRXOGDFFRPPRGDWHWKHYHU\

SURMHFW

likely prospects of incompleteness and uncertainty by

ƒ the assurance that training was a major and ongoing component of the project. An integrated plan had also to address the full range of

incorporating certain principles and structuring elements that permitted conservation, as well as growth DQGFKDQJHWRRFFXULQDÁH[LEOHDQGDGDSWLYHPDQQHU

environmental problems within its ambit of concern, to focus on resource management and priorities, and to

2.4

Significance of Genadendal

make it a plan owned by the community of Genaden-

Central to the consideration of the above-mentioned

dal, as well as managed by them.

principles was the understanding of the social, cultural and historical context of Genadendal as a place. The

2.3

Conservation development framework

Conservation and Use Plan argued that Genadendal is

In the preparation of the Conservation and Use Plan for

RIVLJQLÀFDQFHEHFDXVHRIWKHKLVWRULFDOVRFLDOFXOWXU-

*HQDGHQGDOWKHDSSURDFKZDVWDNHQWRDGRSWDÁH[LEOH

al, religious, symbolic, environmental and recreational

framework for development and conservation, rather

values that are associated with it.

WKDQDÀQLWHPDVWHUSODQ3ODQQLQJDQGFRQVHUYDWLRQ

7KHVLJQLÀFDQFHRI*HQDGHQGDOLVGHULYHGIURPLWV

approaches in the past have traditionally proposed the

historical use as an important settlement within the

DGRSWLRQRIDFRPSUHKHQVLYHRU¶PDVWHU·SODQWRGLUHFW

:HVWHUQ&DSHUHJLRQVHHÀJXUH :LWKLQWKH0RUDYL-

40

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

an missionary movement in South Africa, Genadendal

2.5.1 General conservation policies

has acquired a symbolic status because of the people

A number of overarching policies that sought to estab-

and events that have been associated with it – today it

lish the broad conservation approach to the greater

VWLOOUHPDLQVWKH¶PRWKHU·FKXUFKDQGVHWWOHPHQWDQG

*HQDGHQGDOZHUHLGHQWLÀHG7KHVHSROLFLHVZHUHDOOLQ-

constitutes a place of pilgrimage for Moravians

terrelated and thus not to be viewed in isolation, and

throughout South Africa and, indeed, the world. Ge-

included amongst others:

QDGHQGDOKDVIXUWKHUPRUHDFTXLUHGVLJQLÀFDQFHIURP

ƒ WKHLGHDRIPLQLPDOLQWHUYHQWLRQ

its physical setting and the physical elements that

ƒ DFNQRZOHGJLQJWKHLPSRUWDQFHRIDOOSHULRGV

make up its fabric. The broader cultural landscape, the

ƒ acknowledging the importance of all aspects of cul-

different out-lying settlements, the varying areas or precincts and the individual buildings within the Church werf and village of different historical periods DOOFRQWULEXWHWRZDUGVWKHVLJQLÀFDQFHRI*HQDGHQGDO

WXUDOVLJQLÀFDQFH ƒ valuing the importance of the visual setting of *HQDGHQGDO ƒ appreciating the importance of intangibles such as IRONORUHRUDOKLVWRULHVPHPRU\

2.5

Conservation policies

Central to the Conservation and Use Plan was the de-

ƒ promoting skills training and employment as an integral part of conservation.

velopment of policies, at various scales, for the ongoLQJPDQDJHPHQWRIWKHVHWWOHPHQW·VKHULWDJH1HHGOHVV

2.5.2 Specific issue related policies

to say, the various features, elements and qualities dis-

The above-mentioned conservation policy aims and

FXVVHGLQWKHDERYHPHQWLRQHGVWDWHPHQWRIVLJQLÀ-

JHQHUDOFRQVHUYDWLRQSROLFLHVLQIRUPHGVSHFLÀFLVVXH

cance should be preserved for posterity. The Conserva-

UHODWHGSROLFLHV,WZDVFRQVLGHUHGWKDWWKHVHVSHFLÀF

tion and Use Plan argued that the aim of policy

policies would guide regular conservation and manage-

formulation was to guide the elaboration of conserva-

ment decisions. Detailed policies that related to specif-

tion strategies, to provide a structure by which to eval-

ic precincts, areas or buildings within Genadendal

uate any proposals affecting the greater Genadendal

would also have to be understood in relation to these

area and to provide a framework for decision-making.

VSHFLÀFLVVXHUHODWHGSROLFLHVDQGZHUHGHYHORSHGIRU

The conservation policies thus sought to preserve the

WKHFRQVHUYDWLRQDQGGHYHORSPHQWIRUWKH¶*UHDWHU*H-

VLJQLÀFDQFHUHSUHVHQWHGWKURXJKODQGVFDSHIHDWXUHV

QDGHQGDO(QYLURQPHQW·WKH¶0LVVLRQ:HUI·WKH¶+LVWRU-

archaeology, buildings and elements of the greater Ge-

LF+RXVLQJ9LOODJH$UHD·DQGWKH¶*DUGHQ$OORWPHQWV·

nadendal, to guide the choice of appropriate uses for

VHHÀJXUHVDQG RIWKHPDLQVHWWOHPHQWDQGWKH

spaces and buildings in greater Genadendal, to provide

¶RXWVWDWLRQV·RI9RRUVWHNUDDO%HUHDYLOOHDQG%RVFK

a means by which to assess the impact of new develop-

manskloof (including the historic residential area and

ments and to inform the preparation and application of

garden allotments of each) that occupy the valley set-

conservation guidelines.

tlement system of the greater Genadendal.

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

41

Figure 2 View of Houses in Karl Jonas Straat, Genadendal, circa 1890 (Moravian Church Archives, Herrnhut, Germany)

Figure 4 View of Garden Allotments related to Bergstraat, Genadendal (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2002)

Figure 3 Streetscape, Kloofstraat, Genadendal (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2003)

Figure 5 View of Garden Allotments in the Baviaansrivier valley, Genadendal (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2002)

7ZRH[DPSOHVRIDVSHFLÀFFRQVHUYDWLRQSROLF\IRUWKH ¶+LVWRULF+RXVLQJ9LOODJH$UHD·RI*HQDGHQGDO ƒ Policy HH4: The historic identity of streetscapes de-

42

panels, is to be avoided at all costs. ƒ Policy HH7: A concerted tree-planting program along the residential streets and at selected public

pends on the way interfaces between the roads and

spaces should be considered and used to screen ob-

buildings are made. Historic hedges, fences,

trusive and unsympathetic structures. Examples of

stepped terraces, verandahs, stoeps and low walls

where this may occur include areas such as Stry-

should be retained as far as is possible. The charac-

domlaan (to screen the Police Station and RDP (Re-

ter of historic streetscapes should be preserved and

FRQWUXFWLRQDQG'HYHORSPHQW3URJUDPPH ¶KRXV-

reconstructed where possible. The building of high

HV· WKH¶'ULHKRHN·LQWHUVHFWLRQDQGWKHDUHDDWWKH

walls, especially those made of pre-cast concrete

bridge crossing the Baviaans River.5

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

2.6

Greater Genadendal: conservation development framework

The greater Genadendal area contains a range of fea-

2.7

Landscaping, garden allotments, infrastructure upgrading and new buildings

tures and elements that allow it to function as an eco-

With the view to improving the visual image and over-

logical system. At this macro scale there are a number

all impression of the settlement, a number of land-

of assets (mountain ranges/slopes, streams and rivers,

scaping actions were proposed, including the major

fynbos vegetation, etc.) that give the area its unique

routes within the settlement and the development of

and special character. Conservation at this scale re-

the Kloof as a recreational area. While the upgrading

quires the ongoing coordination of work between a

and redevelopment of the Garden Allotment areas did

range of governmental organizations (i.e. the national

not fall within the immediate ambit of work of the Ge-

Department of Nature Conservation, Department of

nadendal Restoration Project, their rehabilitation and

Water Affairs, Department of Agriculture, the regional

conservation was advocated. Amongst others, the re-

Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Theewa-

pair and upgrading of the historic leiwater system (irri-

terskloof Municipality, etc.) and that their various initi-

gation furrows), the cleaning and upgrading of the old

atives be implemented in an integrated manner, which

water storage ponds and the landscaping of selected

consider the following principles:

foot paths and minor roads within the garden allotment

ƒ WKHGHÀQLWLRQDQGGHFODUDWLRQRIQDWXUHFRQVHUYD-

area was promoted.

WLRQDUHDV ƒ the protection of the rural quality of the overall

Associated was the need for infrastructure upgrading. Historically the upgrading of roads and sewer in-

landscape and ongoing productive use of the tradi-

frastructure had been given priority in Genadendal, as

tional saailande and paglande

in many small rural settlements. Typically these im-

ƒ the principle that where new uses are to be consid-

provements had been implemented without regard for

ered, that these uses remain of a compatible nature

the historic setting in which they occur. In order to

WRWKHH[LVWLQJXVHVZLWKLQWKHVHWWOHPHQW

promote a more appropriate intervention the Conser-

ƒ the consideration that where minor changes are required that they are of such a nature that these FKDQJHVFDQEHUHYHUVLEOH ƒ the consolidation and limited redevelopment of the

vation and Use Plan proposed a number of guidelines and actions that could be followed. Over the past forty years a number of new buildings and extensions to the settlement have been imple-

existing footpaths as hiking trails between the four

mented with scant regard for the special qualities of

VHWWOHPHQWV

Genadendal. In order to accommodate new develop-

ƒ WKHGHÀQLWLRQRIOLPLWHGDUHDVRIVHWWOHPHQW development.

ment a number of suggestions were put forward, including the consolidation and occupation of vacant sites within the historic fabric, the upgrading and reuse of abandoned structures and the adoption of ap-

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

43

Figure 6 View of Bergstraat, Genadendal, before restoration work (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2002)

Figure 8 Houses in Bergstraat undergoing repairs (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2004)

Figure 7 View of Bergstraat, Genadendal, after restoration work (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2005)

Figure 9 Roof Construction in progress of Bergstraat Houses (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2004)

propriate design guidelines for new buildings. In a simi-

3

Project Assessment

lar vein, Conservation Development Frameworks were prepared for the historic mission werf, or nucleus, and

Following the survey of conservation-worthy houses in

IRUWKH¶RXWVWDWLRQV·RI9RRUVWHNUDDO%HUHDYLOOHDQG

the village, initial meetings were held with homeown-

Boschmanskloof.6

ers and the packaging of small contracts was prepared.7 Initial building conservation work started on the mission werf with the refurbishment of the Weder-

44

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

huis guesthouse and the provision of visitor toilets in

ronmental features (e.g. agriculture, infrastructure up-

the Mission Shop. Over the past three-and-half years

grading, etc.) have been considered, work has as yet

the Netherlands HGIS fund has permitted the repair

not been implemented. Neither have other small-scale

and restoration of some thirty houses in Genadendal

industries been fully conceived of, nor implemented.8

(in Bergstraat, Kloofstraat and Volkstraat). Conserva-

While skills training workshops were conducted, fol-

tion guidance and advice was given to Casidra on the

lowing the skills audit done in 2003, artisans trained in

repair work executed on some seventy houses in Ge-

the practice of traditional crafts (e.g. thatching) have

nadendal, the owners of which were eligible for assist-

not been employed on a sustained basis. Equally, the

DQFHIURPWKH5XUDO+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\VHHÀJXUHV

small building companies, owned by local residents and

and 9). Further restoration work on the mission werf

formalized to serve the project, have not been active

LQFOXGHGWKH&KXUFK&KXUFK2IÀFHVWKHROG3ULQWLQJ

on an ongoing and consistent basis.

Works and the old Teachers Houses in Kerkstraat (see

This unevenness of development has in part been

ÀJXUHVDQG 7KHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHXSJUDGLQJDQG

due to budgetary constraints, to the limited scale of

landscaping of the werf is now underway.

building activity in the area, and to the somewhat ir-

:LWKWKHH[HFXWLRQRIWKLVZRUNRYHUWKHSDVWÀYH

regular awarding of contracts. This situation has result-

years a number of opportunities was presented and a

ed in small building companies either dissolving or

number of problems remains unresolved. Given the

seeking work outside of the greater Genadendal con-

scale of the work executed and available funding,

text, and in trained workers either remaining unem-

projects were implemented that in some way have con-

ployed or seeking employment outside of the

tributed to the local economy, albeit modestly. Some

settlement.

of the problems encountered were not germane to Genadendal itself and are symptomatic to rural settle-

3.2

Limited integration

PHQWVWKURXJKRXWWKHFRXQWU\7KHIROORZLQJUHÁHF-

The delay in sidewalk upgrading along Bergstraat,

tions on the process undertaken thus far are offered to

Kloofstraat and Volkstraat, where a number of houses

inform the necessary conservation work that must con-

have been repaired and restored, has limited the inte-

tinue in the future.

grated renovation of streetscapes. Similarly the delay in rehabilitating the garden allotments associated with

3.1

Uneven development

streets, such as Bergstraat, has also denied a full and

In the absence of a full implementation of the integrat-

integrated development between gardens, streets,

ed conservation and development strategy, the Ge-

sidewalks and the restored houses. However, these in-

nadendal Restoration Project has varied in its success.

frastructure and agricultural upgrading projects could,

Thus far, initiatives have primarily focused on the res-

when executed sensitively at a later stage, complete

toration of historic buildings on the mission werf and in

this necessary integration.

the village. While conservation projects of other envi-

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

45

Figure 10 Restoration of Printing Works, Mission Werf (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2006)

Figure 11 Restoration of Wederhuis, Mission Werf (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2003)

3.3

Community involvement

While community involvement in the Project was encouraged through initial community meetings and through the establishment of certain task groups and working committees, this interaction was not sustained over the full project period. Despite the inclusion of established community organizations, such as GESOT (Genadendal Strategie Ontwikkelings Trust) and GENOT (Genadendal Ontwikkelings Trust), on some of the working committees, the extent to which the Genadendal Restoration Project assisted their continued existence is unclear. Neither did the execution of the project directly assist with the development of new community organizations. The reasons for these shortcomings are complex, but can in part be ascribed to the lack of resources to drive the project locally on a day-to-day basis. The fact that only certain families (in terms of their income levFigure 12 Restoration of Moravian Church, Mission Werf (Lucien le Grange, Architects & Urban Planners, 2008

46

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

el and need, or the conservation-worthiness of their house) were considered to be eligible for assistance

possibly permitted further cynicism. The circumstance

¶RQHVL]HÀWVDOO·SHUYDGHV,QDFRQVHUYDWLRQFRQWH[W

that much of the conservation work entailed individual

such as Genadendal this mentality can have disastrous

buildings, as opposed to collective assets such as

effects.9 Improved communication and coordination be-

roads, public spaces and community facilities, further

tween different governmental departments is neces-

added to the limited involvement of the community.

VDU\/RFDODQGGLVWULFWJRYHUQPHQWRIÀFLDOVDOVRQHHG

These factors, amongst others, have contributed to the

to be better informed in terms of heritage and conser-

impression that the Conservation and Use Plan has not

vation ideas and practices.

been fully owned and managed by the greater Genadendal community.

4

3.4

At the time of the launching of the Genadendal Resto-

Coordinating the roles of local, district and regional governments

Conclusion

ration Project in 2002, we had already learnt from the

Local, district and regional government agencies gen-

shortcomings of isolated conservation efforts and up-

erally have a crucial role to play in the development of

grading projects implemented earlier in Genadendal,

rural settlements, as they are the conduits through

as well as in other mission settlements.10 In many re-

which national policy, funding and assistance is chan-

spects the work executed as part of the Genadendal

neled. Regional government agencies played a central

3URMHFWRYHUWKHSDVWÀYH\HDUVKDVDWWHPSWHGWRDGRSW

role in arranging funding, developing appropriate poli-

enlightened principles of conservation management as

cy and sourcing required expertise. Local and district

advocated in previous policy proposals on mission set-

government departments (e.g. the Theewaterskloof

tlements.11 A bottom-up approach that encouraged

Municipality) typically have served as the implementing

community participation at all levels was set into mo-

agencies through which development projects have

tion, employment opportunities, albeit limited, were

been launched. In the case of the execution of conser-

generated, incentives through the Rural Housing Subsi-

vation work in Genadendal, all these levels of govern-

dy, as well as HGIS funding were provided, and skills

ment made valuable contributions to the Project. How-

training programs were introduced. In terms of the ap-

ever, during the course of the work it became apparent

proach to conservation planning, best practice exam-

that different departments did not always communi-

ples were followed to prepare policies, development

cate with each other, resulting in inappropriate and in-

frameworks and local action plans.

sensitive decision making. Often, particularly from the

Yet, despite the adoption of such principles and ini-

local and district level departments, indiscriminate ap-

tiatives, the full developmental impact of conservation

SOLFDWLRQVRI¶LPSURYHPHQWV·ZHUHPDGHZLWKRXWFRQ-

HIIRUWVH[HFXWHGRYHUWKHSDVWÀYH\HDUVLQ*HQDGHQGDO

sultation and consideration of appropriate design solu-

is not very visible. In addition to increasing the scope

tions. Also, national policies and solutions are often

of conservation work, the apparent lack of addressing

not adapted to local conditions, and a mentality of

the broader development problems that face settle-

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

47

ments such as Genadendal could attest to this percep-

lated to cultural tourism for that matter, cannot by it-

tion. While it may very well be still premature to meas-

self sustain the local community – there seems just not

XUHWKHVLJQLÀFDQFHRIWKHVHLQLWLDOHIIRUWVDQXPEHU

enough capacity within this initiative to create, and

of development issues need consideration, as this

sustainably support, community employment

work-in-progress is taken further.

opportunities.

7KHÀUVWLVVXHLVWKDWRIHGXFDWLRQ,QWKHFRQWH[WRI

Other forms of economic development need to be

Genadendal, where negative attitudes to conservation

actively pursued in order not only to generate more

still persist, education programs remain vitally impor-

jobs, but also to show that the old can co-exist with

tant. Such programs need to illustrate - especially to

the new. Such forms of economic development could

the younger generations – how conservation of the

embrace both intensive agricultural projects, as well as

physical environment can be linked to the everyday life

small-scale high-tech industries. By doing so, conserva-

DQGZHOOEHLQJRIWKHVHWWOHPHQW·VLQKDELWDQWV'UDZLQJ

tion would be appreciated in a different light, where

on the rich educational history of Genadendal, consid-

the preservation of historic buildings and the surround-

eration should be given to incorporating local history

ing natural environment could be seen to be able to

programs and environmental awareness into the curric-

FRH[LVWZLWKWZHQW\ÀUVWFHQWXU\OLIHVW\OHVDQGWKHHQ-

ula of the local schools.

joyment of modern facilities. In the future, the ongoing

The second developmental issue is that of employ-

success of building conservation work in Genadendal

ment. While acknowledging that rural communities

will depend on the larger economic development of

such as Genadendal across the world remain under

the settlement.

threat of extinction, new strategies by which to ensure

The third issue is that of the amalgamation of mem-

their preservation need to be considered. In the con-

ory, heritage and development. In the context of a his-

text of overpopulation and the unsustainability of cit-

WRULFDOO\VLJQLÀFDQWVHWWOHPHQWVXFKDV*HQDGHQGDOWKH

ies and of a possible global environmental, as well as

UHDOFKDOOHQJHIRUFRQVHUYDWLRQZRUNLVWRÀQGZD\VE\

energy crisis, the need for renewing rural settlements

which to integrate memory, heritage and development.

seems evident. Genadendal with its rich cultural and

,Q*HQDGHQGDORYHUWKHSDVWÀYH\HDUVWKHHQJDJH-

natural assets deserves such renewal by way of the

ment with heritage has been as much about invoking

generation of employment opportunities.

the past as it has been about relating with present

While conservation work in the context of Genaden-

conditions and planning for the future. A fundamental

dal should by itself be linked to community employ-

premise of the Genadendal Restoration Project has,

ment opportunities, the issue of the larger economic

from its inception, been the restoration and conserva-

development (and consequent employment generation)

tion of the historic settlement, with the view to har-

of the settlement needs to be addressed urgently. The

nessing its historical worth in the interests of develop-

SDVWÀYH\HDUVRIZRUNLQ*HQDGHQGDOKDYHVKRZQWKDW

ment. In pursuit of this ambition, the conservation

conservation related employment, or employment re-

work implemented thus far has not been about a desire

48

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

for the recovery of memory only, or about the recon-

amongst others, all of which ignored the issue of heritage

struction of Genadendal as a place of nostalgia. Com-

and integrated development.

munities cannot be restored through memory alone. By

5

Genadendal: Conservation and Use Plan, 33.

some irony of history the Genadendal community has,

6

Ibidem, 47-68.

in the context of South Africa, escaped the trauma of

7

In order to empower local small builders, it was agreed

forced removals – it is a community that has a sense of

not to engage a single large-scale building company out-

continuity and a tangible heritage. In this regard, it is

side of Genadendal. Small building contract packages

unique and its history, as well as its heritage should be

FRQVLVWLQJRIDSSUR[LPDWHO\ÀYHKRXVHVLQWKHYLOODJHRU

harnessed to serve progress and development.

one single building on the Mission werf ) were prepared.

These issues, amongst others, point to the need to

With the assistance of the Contracts Manager, John Engel,

reframe some of the fundamental ideas regarding the

the small builders were coached in proper tendering pro-

design and practice of conservation. It is in addressing

cedures and were legally registered with government

these complex development issues, as well as implePHQWLQJWKHYDULRXVFRQVHUYDWLRQSURMHFWVLGHQWLÀHGLQ

agencies as small business enterprises. 8

The technical skill that exists within a community such as

the Conservation and Use Plan, that the economic and

Genadendal should not be underestimated. Between 1999

social well-being of the Genadendal community may be

and 2001 the local development organization GENOT oper-

LPSURYHGDQGWKDWZHPD\¶PDNHKRSHODVW·

DWHGDVHZLQJIDFWRU\WKDWPDQXIDFWXUHGFKLOGUHQ·VFORWKing for Woolworths, employing some twenty women.

Notes

There exists great potential for small industry

1

development.

This term was phrased in 2002 by the late Rev. M.J.R.Wessels, an esteemed local community leader and

2

3

Examples of such inappropriate interventions during the FRXUVHRIWKH3URMHFWLVWKH¶'LVQH\ZRUOG·FRQVWUXFWLRQDW

Genadendal.

the Strydomlaan entrance to Genadendal and the more re-

L. Le Grange, Genadendal: Conservation and Use Plan, Au-

cent toilet additions to the front of historic houses in

gust 2003 (unpublished manuscript).

Volkstraat (as part of the national campaign to eradicate

&DVLGUDIRUPHUO\/$12. LVD¶SDUDVWDWDO·DJHQF\HVWDE-

WKH¶EXFNHWV\VWHP· 

lished by regional government to assist in the housing and infrastructure problems of poor rural communities in the Western Cape. 4

9

RQHRIWKH¶IDWKHUV·RIWKHFRQVHUYDWLRQSURMHFWLQ

10 )RUH[DPSOHWKH¶XSJUDGLQJ·ZRUNGRQHLQWKH0RUDYLDQ mission settlement of Mamre in the 1980s. 11 See: D. Japha, V. Japha, L. le Grange and F. Todeschini:

Before 2002, Genadendal had been the subject of various

Mission Settlements in South Africa: A Report on their His-

isolated development planning projects, such as the RDP

torical Background and Prospects for Conservation, 1995,

housing project and sewer infrastructure projects,

71-86.

Genadendal: Conservation and Development

49

50

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal Johan van Papendorp, Landscape Architect, Cape Town, South Africa

1

Introduction

bility of the particular community or custodian group. A primary objective for managing heritage is to

The International Cultural Tourism Charter Managing

FRPPXQLFDWHLWVVLJQLÀFDQFHDQGQHHGIRULWVFRQVHUYD-

7RXULVPDW3ODFHVRI+HULWDJH6LJQLÀFDQFH adopted by

tion to its host community and to visitors. Reasonable

,&2026VWDWHGLQ¶+HULWDJHLVDEURDGFRQFHSW

and well-managed physical, intellectual and/or emotive

and includes the natural as well as the cultural envi-

access to heritage and cultural development is both a

ronment. It encompasses landscape, historic places,

right and a privilege. It brings with it a duty of respect

sites and built environments, as well as biodiversity,

for the heritage values, interests and equity of the

collections, past and continuing cultural practices,

present-day host community, indigenous custodians or

knowledge and living experiences. It records and ex-

owners of historic property and for the landscapes and

presses the long process of historic development, form-

FXOWXUHVIURPZKLFKWKDWKHULWDJHHYROYHG·

ing the essence of diverse national, regional, indige-

,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHFRPSUHKHQVLYHLGHQWLÀFDWLRQRI

nous and local identities and is an integral part of

KHULWDJHDQGLWVVLJQLÀFDQFHDVSURYLGHGE\,&2026

modern life. It is a dynamic reference point and posi-

DERYH%LOO0ROOLVRQGHÀQHVD&XOWXUDO/DQGVFDSHDVIRO-

tive instrument for growth and change. The particular

ORZV¶$JHRJUDSKLFDUHDLQFOXGLQJERWKFXOWXUDODQG

heritage and collective memory of each locality or

natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals

community is irreplaceable and an important founda-

therein, associated with a historic event, activity or

tion for development, both now and into the future.

SHUVRQRUH[KLELWLQJRWKHUFXOWXUDORUDHVWKHWLFYDOXHV·

At a time of increasing globalization, the protec-

Worldwide, the emphasis of heritage conservation

tion, conservation, interpretation and presentation of

and reconstruction has shifted from the protection of

the heritage and cultural diversity of any particular

individual buildings or monuments to a more inclusive

place or region is an important challenge for people

approach which takes cognizance of social, economic

everywhere. However, management of that heritage

and cultural values and which seeks to manage, con-

within a framework of internationally recognized and

serve and enhance the qualities of whole environ-

appropriately applied standards is usually the responsi-

ments. This is of particular relevance to Genadendal,

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

51

A Cultural LandscapeE\GHÀQLWLRQ “A geographic area inlcuding both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therin, associate with a historic event, activity or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthteic values” ICOMOS, 1990 Figure 1 $&XOWXUDO/DQGVFDSHE\GHÀQLWLRQ

which is recognized as much for the quality of its natu-

SK\DVLWLVUHÁHFWHGLQWUHDWPHQWRIWKHODQGVFDSH

ral setting, as for its unique history and cultural

and the built form. It contains important concentrations of 19th century

associations.

architecture within the mission werf and in the village,

2

Genadendal in brief

all of which are set in a unique rural landscape at the foot of the Sonderend mountains. In addition, there ex-

7KHFXOWXUDOKLVWRULFVLJQLÀFDQFHRI*HQDGHQGDOKDV

ists a series of community allotment gardens with a

been recorded in a number of sources. Established in

traditional system of furrow irrigation. The cultural

1738, it is the oldest surviving mission station and one

heritage of the Genadendalers is also rich in musical

of the oldest settlements in South Africa. During its

talent, with strong indigenous roots. The musical herit-

early years, Genadendal was the site of important pio-

age of Genadendal is manifested in a number of choir

neering work both in terms of missionary activity and

bodies, as well as brass bands. A strong indigenous

HGXFDWLRQ7KHVHWWOHPHQW·VFKDUDFWHULWVVHQVHRIUHO-

Khoi heritage is also present, remembered in the form

ative isolation and tranquility, results as much from its

of a Khoi kraal (village). These are the diverse manifes-

Mediterranean climate, mountain setting and topogra-

tations of the man-made and the natural environment

52

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

WKDWFRPELQHWRFRQWULEXWHWRWKHVSHFLDOVLJQLÀFDQFH

and land uses of Genadendal are the results of ecologi-

RI*HQDGHQGDO·VFXOWXUDOODQGVFDSH

cal and historical processes, including purposeful human adaptations which have brought about change. Not

3

Reading the cultural landscape

DOODGDSWDWLRQVKDYHEHHQEHQHÀFLDOSDUWLFXODUO\LQUHcent times, as is clearly obvious. With this understanding, the core aim of assessing

3LHUFH/HZLVDQRWHGJHRJUDSKHUZURWH¶7KHDWWHPSW

WKHWRWDOODQGVFDSHLVWRLGHQWLI\WKHPRVWVLJQLÀFDQW

to derive meaning from landscapes possesses over-

elements which contribute to the essential qualities of

whelming virtue. It keeps us constantly alert to the

*HQDGHQGDO·VHQYLURQV,ISURSHUO\LGHQWLÀHGWKHVHDUH

world around us, demanding that we pay attention not

the elements and features which, if damaged, de-

just to some of the things around us, but all of them –

VWUR\HGRUGHQXGHGZRXOGVLJQLÀFDQWO\GLPLQLVKWKH

the whole visible world in all of its rich, glorious,

character of the place and which are therefore essen-

PHVV\FRQIXVLQJXJO\DQGEHDXWLIXOFRPSOH[LW\·

tial to manage in the present and to incorporate into

We can read landscapes at many levels – as natural

plans for future interventions.

systems, as place-making – showing lifestyle, history, religion and aesthetics. When taking an approach to reading the cultural landscape, it is important to view the landscape in its context of place and time. Such an

4

Elements of the greater Genadendal cultural landscape

approach is generally informed by two overarching considerations. Firstly, Genadendal is more than a collection of ob-

Genadendal is located in the highly transformed environment of the Overberg region. Undulated hills and

MHFWVLQVSDFH,WFRPSULVHVQDWXUDOVSDFHGHÀQLQJVHWV

valleys covered by cultivated lands and pastures are

of elements, which have cultural and other implica-

patterned by fence lines and remnants of the original

tions for the broader operation of ecological and urban

Renosterveld vegetation. Scattered homesteads with

systems: the mountain setting, the hills, valleys, water

avenues, tree belts and dams add interest to this rural

catchment and river. These systems interplay with the

agricultural landscape.

underlying geology, pedology, hydrology, climate and

The greater Genadendal, covering some 4500 hec-

vegetation in such a manner that distinctive places re-

tares, comprises the dominant village of Genadendal

sult, each with distinctive characteristics.

itself and the smaller adjoining buitestasies of Voor-

6HFRQGO\ZKLOHWKHVHSODFHVPD\EHGHÀQHGDV

stekraal, Bereaville and Boschmanskloof.

¶QDWXUDO·WKH\DUHWKHIUDPHZRUNIRUDQGLQGLYLVLEOH

Sited along the slopes of the Sonderend mountain

IURPWKH¶FXOWXUDO·SODFHVZKLFKDUHWKHUHVXOWVIURP

range, the setting of these settlements is simultane-

actions and activities of people in this landscape over

ously structured by the underlying geography of the

the centuries. For that reason, the appearance, role

mountain slopes and a sequence of valleys that culmi-

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

53

Figure 2 Genadendal: The Baviaans River Valley (Inset: Allotment Gardens)

nate in drainage tributaries feeding the Riviersonder-

changed, largely for the worst. An increase in invasive

end. It is along these valley systems that the settle-

alien vegetation has smothered the smaller river

ments have developed as a complex system of

streams and eroded valley gardens. Neglect of the gar-

relationships. Typically, agricultural land occupies the

den allotments, saailande and paglande have dimin-

more fertile soils associated with the valleys and

ished visual qualities of the landscape. Furthermore,

streams. Houses have traditionally been built along the

the erection of intrusive structures, modern road con-

more high-lying and more arid slopes. Viewed at the

struction and installation of surface and overhead in-

macro-level, it is this settlement pattern that gives

frastructure have further contributed to the erosion of

identity to the cultural landscape of the greater Ge-

the scenic attributes. Large-scale restoration of the

nadendal. Further associations with this larger pattern

greater landscape is unlikely. However, a range of up-

are the paglande and saailande on both sides of the

grading actions can be taken, among which:

5LYLHUVRQGHUHQG*UD]LQJODQGÀOWHULQJLQWRWKHKLOO-

ƒ UHPRYDORILQYDVLYHYHJHWDWLRQ

side fynbos, forms the northern edges.

ƒ JXLGLQJLQLWLDWLYHVVXFKDV¶:RUNLQJIRU:DWHU·WR

Over the past half-century, important natural and man-made features of the Genadendal environs have

54

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

be limited to invasive vegetation only, while retainLQJWKHKLVWRULFRDNWUHHVDQGEDPERRVWDQGV

ƒ UHWDLQLQJDQGSURWHFWLQJRIWKH¶VDDLODQGH·DQG¶SDJODQGH·IURPGXPSLQJVROLGZDVWH

ƒ SDWKWRWKHKLVWRULF0LVVLRQDU\&HPHWHU\ ƒ route to the Kloof and the origin of the Baviaans

ƒ upgrading of a pathway system through the valley ÁRRUIRUORFDOVYLVLWRUVDQGWRXULVWV

River. The werf, as symbolic place of spatial qualities framed

With a growing interest in organically-grown food, the

by historic buildings of diverse uses, with the church

revival of intensive allotment gardening is likely to be-

tower as focus, juxtaposed to the bell tower, the ave-

come feasible again and thereby an opportunity to re-

nue of trees, the passing leivoor, picket fences and

instate the hedged allotment gardens.

hedges, the gravel pathways linking to beyond, the peaceful quietude – these are the notable elements

4.1

The Genadendal village

Since its establishment in 1738 as a Moravian mission

that have evolved over time as a cultural landscape of H[FHSWLRQDOVLJQLÀFDQFH

settlement, Genadendal has grown southwards from the mission centre (werf) in a regulated horseshoe-pattern along either side of the Baviaans River. Along the

5

Upgrading the werf environment

higher contours on both sides of the valley, cottages designed to a standard plan were constructed. In the

The werf and its attributes have been subjected to

valley area, garden allotments were laid out and divid-

many pressures and threats for over two centuries.

ed by hedges of quince or pomegranate. Irrigation is

Sterling work has been done to restore and preserve

done by a traditionally shared system of water furrows

WKHPRUHVLJQLÀFDQWEXLOGLQJV0DLQWHQDQFHRIWKH

(leiwater vore WKDWH[WHQGVRYHUWKHYDOOH\ÁRRU

physical fabric and of the contained and surrounding landscape elements remains an on-going challenge.

4.2

The mission werf

Recent interventions have been focusing on upgrad-

In a sense, the werf was conceived as the spiritual cen-

LQJH[WHUQDOVSDFHVDQGLPSURYLQJWKHYLVLWRU·VH[SHUL-

tre of the mission station. As a public place, the werf

ence. These included:

comprises various historic buildings and spaces that

ƒ the upgrading of surfaces, including an increase of

UHSUHVHQWPRVWRI*HQDGHQGDO·VKLVWRU\RYHUWKHODVW

PRUH¶JUHHQ·VSDFHZLWKWKHDLPRIPLQLPL]LQJYH-

WZRFHQWXULHV$VWKHYLOODJH·VFHQWUDOSODFHDQXPEHU

KLFXODUDFFHVVDQGHOLPLQDWLQJYHKLFXODUSDUNLQJ

of linkages to and from are of importance and include:

ƒ the evidence of an existing avenue of trees suggest-

ƒ WKHKRUVHVKRHVKDSHGDUWHULDOURDG

ed that a new pedestrian path could be introduced

ƒ Church Street and other linkages to the community

to accentuate the avenue, as well as to eliminate

JDUGHQDOORWPHQWV ƒ the werf gardens, previously the missionary JDUGHQV ƒ DFFHVVWRWKHKLVWRULF3HDU7UHH

the road totally from the one side of the werf. The axis forms a strong focal point with the water channel bridge at one end, while the Museum gable terminates the other end. In addition, a potential me-

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

55

Figure 3 Restoration of the werf landscape

morial element presents itself marginally off the D[LV\HWFHQWHUHGRQWKHPDLQFKXUFKIDoDGH ƒ minor new pathways were also introduced to improve the pedestrian movement between buildings.

ƒ the Water Mill area will be upgraded and structured WRDOORZIRUDQHDVLHUSHGHVWULDQÁRZ ƒ the existing water channels have been exposed and

Existing stone paths have been cleaned and also

new concrete channels will be built to highlight the

IRUPSDUWRIWKHQHZVWUXFWXUHGURXWHV

H[SHULHQFHRIZDWHUÁRZLQJIURPWKHPRXQWDLQV

ƒ existing trees were pruned and new trees planted DVLQÀOOWRH[LVWLQJDVUHTXLUHGRWKHUORZVFUHHQ and accented planting was introduced to comple-

56

ment the nature of the werf

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

through the Water Mill and into the farmlands EH\RQG

ƒ a new structured pedestrian pathway using laterite

support is needed to relish the opportunity to enhance

and stone edging has been introduced next to the

this rural settlement redolent of its unique cultural and

channel and meanders, eventually reaching the low-

natural landscape that sets an eco-friendly example for

er end of the Water Mill, where the water wheel

the greater society. If Genadendal and its people are

FDQEHVDIHO\YLHZHG

to have a sustainable future, a new layer of its cultural

ƒ the area between the channel and the river will be cleared of invasive and alien planting to allow for a grassed area for public use.

landscape is to emerge. So, where do we start? It is sitting at our doorstep: sun, wind, people, buildings, stones, water, birds and plants surround us – co-operation with all these things

6

Conclusion: the Genadendal cultural landscape into the 21st century

brings harmony, while opposition to them brings disaster and chaos. Cultivation of the Genadendal Valley in the form of garden plots and allotments has been a part of the set-

Through the historic evolution of this cultural land-

tlement from its inception. Traditionally, each family

scape, the Greater Genadendal has evolved as settle-

was entitled to a garden plot for the production of fruit

ments with enormous potential to generate greater

and vegetables and to support husbandry, such as

community self-reliance and self-governance within the

chickens, pigs and milk cows. Associated with the gar-

framework of modern-day challenges. The principle of

dens was the leivoor or irrigation system drawn from

self-reliance may seem anomalous in a world of global

dammed reservoirs fed by the mountain streams.

interdependency, but the renewal of a community is

With the emergence of commercial agriculture in

not only the answer to a better quality of life, but also

the early 1900s, subsistence farming has declined radi-

to the growth of economic activity, locally and nation-

cally. However, the demarcations of these allotments

ally.

are still a visible part of the landscape in the form of

Globally, the past few years have seen fundamental shifts in thinking and planning around global warming

wire fences, quince hedgerows and tree avenues. Conventional mono-crop agriculture, being the root

and, from this shift, a vision of a sustainable and car-

cause for the erosion of the more diverse traditional

bon-constrained future is emerging. Genadendal has

subsistence farming, is today in question in the context

the potential to become a prototype, a model for sus-

of sustainable food production. In the world of agri-

tainable living. The potential is to embrace Agenda 21,

business:

which underscored the commitment made by world

ƒ WKHODQGLVPLQHGRILWVIHUWLOLW\WRSURGXFHFURSV

leaders at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 to programs

ƒ QRQUHQHZDEOHVRXUFHVDUHXVHGWRVXSSRUW\LHOGV

that will move humanity to sustainability in the 21st

ƒ land is eroded by overstocking of livestock and ex-

century. The right kind of development and management

WHQVLYHSORXJKLQJ ƒ land and water are polluted with chemicals.

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

57

Figure 4 The new pathway, concrete channels and upgraded water mill area

Modern agriculture continues to produce food surplus-

On one level permaculture deals with plants, animals,

es, largely through agri-business backing. However, the

buildings and infrastructure (water, energy and com-

emergence of a different form of agriculture is immi-

munications). However, permaculture is not about

nent: one that is restorative, ecologically inspired and

these elements themselves, but rather about the rela-

applicable to the planning and design of existing and

tionships we create between them by the way we place

future settlements. It is an agriculture based on the

them in the landscape.

values of stewardship and involves both ancient and

,QUHGHÀQLQJWKHFXOWXUDOODQGVFDSHWKHDLPLVWR

modern knowledge. This type of agriculture will break

create systems that are ecologically sound and eco-

with the recent past in that the culture of food will be

nomically viable, providing for their own needs, not ex-

more closely interwoven with the fabric of settlement.

ploiting or polluting, and therefore being sustainable

7KLVDOWHUQDWLYHLVD¶OLYLQJGHVLJQDSSURDFK·RU

over the long-term. Permaculture designs are based on

¶SHUPDFXOWXUH·DVSKUDVHGE\ELRORJLVW%LOO0ROOLVRQ

the observation of natural systems, the wisdom of tra-

back in 1988. He described permaculture as a design

GLWLRQDOIDUPLQJV\VWHPVDVZHOODVPRGHUQVFLHQWLÀF

system for creating an ecologically sustainable lifestyle

technological knowledge.

with a strong emphasis on the production of food. Per-

Permaculture as a basis for alternative lifestyles is

PDFXOWXUHIURP¶SHUPDQHQWFXOWXUH· XQGHUVFRUHV

strongly associated with the concept of eco-villages.

three principles:

Eco-villages represent a leading edge in the movement

ƒ FDUHRIWKHHDUWK²SURYLGHIRUDOOOLYHWRFRQWLQXH

towards developing sustainable human settlements and

ƒ care for people – give access to resources for

to providing a testing ground for new ideas, techniques

VXUYLYDO

and technologies that can then be integrated into com-

ƒ devote any surplus of yield, money, or information to further the above.

58

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

munity-related developments. Eco-villages integrate human settlement with agricultural, economic and

conservation activities in an integrated way, creating

ing on the land. The eco-village concept, underscored

quality environments in which to cultivate community

by permaculture principles, offers opportunities for a

and business skills for all involved.

fresh start in reviving and conserving the economic and

In the face of extreme poverty, growing unemploy-

cultural landscape of the Genadendal environs. Allow-

ment, loss of community pride and an increase in so-

ing this very special place and its people to erode will

cial and health problems, the Genadendal condition

be a severe loss to the region and humanity.

clearly necessitates a viable approach to continue liv-

Identifying the Cultural Landscape of Genadendal

59

60

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy R. Rughubar, Chief Director Housing Delivery and Infrastructure, Department of Local Government and Housing of the Western Cape, South Africa

1

Introduction

2

Application of the Rural Housing Subsidy

South Africa is a country of challenges. Whereas we have overcome many hurdles in the past, the govern-

There are various instruments available through which

ment of today is still faced with the demands of an ev-

DEHQHÀFLDU\FDQKDYHDFFHVVWRDKRXVLQJVXEVLG\7KH

er-increasing population that requires services for

majority of these instruments are aimed at securing ti-

ZKLFKWKHUHDUHRIWHQLQVXIÀFLHQWIXQGV&RPSHWLQJ

WOHIRUWKHEHQHÀFLDU\,WZDVKRZHYHUUHFRJQL]HGWKDW

needs in sectors such as Health, Education, and Safety

the plight of the people living in rural areas could not

and Security, generate constant pressures for funding

be addressed within this context. In rural areas the

in order to deliver more effectively. However, the

majority of people have functional security of tenure

needs and the suffering of communities are rarely as

as opposed to legal security of tenure. Examples of

poignant as in the case of the homeless and the desti-

such forms of tenure are: tenure granted in terms of

tute. Those living without proper shelter and sanitation

the laws and customs of tribes, the custom, usage or

not only suffer the loss of human dignity, they are also

administrative practice in a particular area or commu-

most vulnerable to serious illnesses, exploitation and

QLW\DQGEHQHÀFLDORFFXSDWLRQRI6WDWHODQGIRUDFRQ-

crime.

WLQXRXVSHULRGRIÀYH\HDUVRUPRUH7KH5XUDO+RXVLQJ

The housing backlog in the Western Cape is current-

Subsidy Scheme was therefore developed to ensure

ly estimated at approximately 410,000 units. Herein

that rural area dwellers can also have access to funding

lays the primary challenge for the Department of Local

for services and housing, even though they would not

*RYHUQPHQWDQG+RXVLQJLHWRÀQGWKHPRVWHIIHF-

obtain individual ownership of such units.

WLYHDQGHIÀFLHQWPHFKDQLVPDQGGHOLYHU\SURJUDPWR

7RDFFHVVWKH5XUDO+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\WKHLQGLYLGXDO·V

provide all these families with adequate shelter and

informal rights as described above must be uncontest-

VHUYLFHV:KHQZHUHÁHFWRQWKHFKDOOHQJHVRIWKH5X-

ed and it should be unlikely that these rights would be

ral Housing Subsidy we must do so against this particu-

lost under the current land reform processes. The poli-

lar background.

cy further prescribes that the subsidy can only be ac-

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

61

Figure 1 After renovation with help of the Rural Housing Subsidy

cessed on a project basis, although no minimum or maximum number of participants is imposed. The complexities of approving and administering

3

The benefit of the Rural Housing Subsidy within the Genadendal context

the Rural Housing Subsidy are however recognized in the fact that the Housing Code clearly states that this

From the description of the Rural Housing Subsidy it is

subsidy is a subsidy of last resort. The main intent of

evident that the town of Genadendal does not conform

the Government Housing Subsidy remains that of pro-

to the basic qualifying criteria for this funding instru-

moting ownership. Where at all possible, subsidy in-

ment. It was in fact a decision by the erstwhile West-

struments that promote ownership should therefore be

ern Cape Housing Development Board that made it pos-

used.

sible for the Department to utilize the subsidy for Genadendal. A special policy directive was written and

62

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

approved and on the basis of this proposal, the Housing

The pooling of the subsidy funding was therefore the

%RDUGPDGHDVSHFLÀHGQXPEHURIUXUDOKRXVLQJVXEVL-

only viable solution to effectively address the needs of

dies available to Casidra (then known as LANOK) to ad-

the community. The Rural Housing Subsidy makes al-

minister in a number of rural towns. The towns that

lowance for the subsidy funds to be pooled within the

ZHUHLGHQWLÀHGZHUHDOOPLVVLRQDU\VHWWOHPHQWVDQGLQ

scope of the project and thus made it the most suita-

all cases the land belonged to the church.

EOHLQVWUXPHQWIRUWKLVVSHFLÀFW\SHRIGHYHORSPHQW

As the land belonged to the church, the inhabitants of towns like Genadendal could not be granted owner-

3.2

ship of their houses. This factor precluded the use of

Beneficiaries can qualify for a subsidy again

any of the other mainstream subsidy instruments. How-

$QLQGLYLGXDOLVRQO\DOORZHGWREHQHÀWRQFHIURPD

ever, as in the case of the Tribal Areas, the inhabitants

state subsidy. However, as mentioned before, the Rural

of these missionary settlements do have functional se-

+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\LVVSHFLÀFDOO\VWUXFWXUHGWRFDWHUIRU

curity of tenure. It was mainly due to this similarity

people who will not be able to obtain legal tenure of

WKDWWKH5XUDO+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\ZDVLGHQWLÀHGDVWKH

the land they reside on. Provision is therefore made for

only viable option to provide better living conditions

EHQHÀFLDULHVRIWKH5XUDO+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\WRTXDOLI\IRU

for the people of Genadendal.

a subsidy again within the context of another project.

The application of this instrument also presented

,IDEHQHÀFLDU\GHFLGHVWRPRYHDQGZLVKHVWRDFTXLUH

certain advantages to the Genadendal context:

a house within a different project, this person should

ƒ SRROLQJRIWKH5XUDO+RXVLQJ6XEVLG\

be able to do so without being prejudiced by the fact

ƒ EHQHÀFLDULHVFDQTXDOLI\IRUDVXEVLG\DJDLQ

that he already has a subsidy issued against his name.

ƒ provision for the appointment of an Implementing

7KLVSURYLVRPDNHVLWSRVVLEOHIRUWKHEHQHÀFLDU\WRDF-

Agent to develop the project.

quire legal ownership elsewhere, would that be his choice.

3.1

Pooling of the Rural Housing Subsidy

The State Housing Subsidy is constituted around a speFLÀFVXEVLG\DPRXQWIRUDVSHFLÀFEHQHÀFLDU\7KHLQdividual therefore gets a subsidy amount approved for

3.3

Provision for the appointment of an implementing agent to develop the project

KLPRUKHUDQGWKDWDPRXQWLVXWLOL]HGIRUWKDWSHUVRQ·V

Most subsidy instruments exclusively recognize munici-

EHQHÀWH[FOXVLYHO\

palities as the developers of housing projects. As the

As the inhabitants of Genadendal already had some

land that falls within the scope of the Genadendal Res-

form of shelter, the provision of proper sanitation and

toration Project belongs to the Church, the Municipali-

the upgrading of the housing units was the main intent

ty would not have been able to develop the project.

of the project. From the onset it was evident that

Once again the Rural Housing Subsidy made it possible

some houses required more repair work than others.

for this project to continue by making provision for an

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

63

Implementing Agent to be appointed. The erstwhile

ƒ providing general support and assistance to Casidra WRIXOÀOOWKHLUUROHDVLPSOHPHQWLQJDJHQW

+RXVLQJ'HYHORSPHQW%RDUGLGHQWLÀHG&DVLGUDDVWKH PRVWVXLWDEOHHQWLW\WRIXOÀOOWKLVUROHDQGWKH*Hnadendal Project was subsequently approved with

5

The main challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy and of the Genadendal project

Casidra as the main driver and administrator.

4

Role of the department of local government and housing in the Genadendal project

The extent of the housing backlog in the Western Cape KDVDOUHDG\EHHQPHQWLRQHG7KH'HSDUWPHQW·VKXPDQ DQGÀQDQFLDOUHVRXUFHVDUHXQGHUFRQVWDQWSUHVVXUHWR DGGUHVVWKLVGDXQWLQJQHHG,QWKHSDVWÀVFDO\HDUWKH

The role of the Department of Local Government and

Department was responsible for the management of

Housing in the provision of housing is often miscon-

more than R 1,2 billion in housing funds. These funds

strued. As a rule we do not act as the developer of

ZHUHSUHGRPLQDQWO\HDUPDUNHGIRU*UHHQÀHOG3URMHFWV

housing projects. The Department is predominantly

or Informal Settlement Upgrades that were developed

structured to assess, approve, fund and monitor hous-

by municipalities.

ing projects. In the case of Genadendal however, more

The challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy, and

focused input was required from the Department. One

PRUHVSHFLÀFDOO\WKH*HQDGHQGDO3URMHFWDUHTXLWH

H[DPSOHLVWKHLQYROYHPHQWRIRIÀFLDOVIURPWKH'H-

unique from those experienced in other housing devel-

partment in the provision of architectural drawings for

opments. Any debate on the challenges of the Rural

WKHKRXVHVWKDWZHUHLGHQWLÀHGIRUSRWHQWLDOXSJUDG-

Housing Subsidy as experienced in the Western Cape

ing.

inevitably has to include a debate on the Genadendal

The Department of Local Government and Housing

Project. Genadendal is the only project in the Province

was responsible for the following administrative and

that has been implemented under the Rural instru-

support functions in the Genadendal Project:

ment. It is therefore the only reference source we

ƒ the provision of architectural drawings for those

have.

KRXVHVWKDWZHUHLGHQWLÀHGIRUSRVVLEOHXSJUDGLQJ ƒ the approval of the business plan and the compilaWLRQRIWKHFRQWUDFWDJUHHPHQW ƒ the approval of housing subsidies to the individual EHQHÀFLDULHV

5.1

The challenge of implementing the Rural Housing Subsidy within the prevailing policy imperatives and within the current departmental structure

ƒ HIIHFWLQJSD\PHQWWR&DVLGUD ƒ LQVSHFWLRQDQGPRQLWRULQJRIWKHSURMHFW

It was previously noted that the Rural Housing Subsidy should be considered as the subsidy of last resort. The

64

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

complexities of administering projects that fall within

during the implementation of the project had to be

the scope of this instrument are therefore recognized

dealt with over and above the normal daily functions of

and should not be underestimated. It must further be

the staff responsible for the project.

mentioned that the current policy imperatives that in-

As the Genadendal Project is the only Rural Housing

IRUPVWKH'HSDUWPHQW·VSODQQLQJDQGVWUXFWXULQJLV

Project being implemented in the Western Cape Prov-

aimed at establishing Sustainable Human Settlements.

ince, there was no other project from which lessons

7KH1DWLRQDO'HSDUWPHQWRI+RXVLQJ·V%UHDNLQJ1HZ

could be drawn and used to expedite the development.

*URXQG6WUDWHJ\DVZHOODVWKH:HVWHUQ&DSH·VRZQ,VL-

Throughout the country this funding mechanism is

GLPD6WUDWHJ\LVVSHFLÀFDOO\IRFXVHGWRWKLVHQG7KHVH

sparsely utilized. Well-documented case studies and

strategies are prescriptive in that government funding

best practice examples are not readily available to in-

should be channeled to areas that have economic

form and guide. This very unique and administratively

growth potential and the Department must further in-

intensive project therefore had to serve as a pilot

sure that housing developments promote integration

SURMHFW8QIRUWXQDWHO\WKH¶À[ZKLOHÁ\LQJ·NLQGRI

and long term sustainability. Housing projects should

scenario inevitably leads to frustration and also delays.

therefore be close to social amenities, transport and

Delays again lead to escalation in costs and discontent

job opportunities. The intent of the Rural Housing Sub-

DPRQJVWWKHEHQHÀFLDULHV

sidy is in direct opposition to the aforementioned aims and directives. Furthermore, the Rural Housing Subsidy does not re-

5.2

The structuring of an effective payment mechanism

ally apply to the Western Cape and the Department

Another challenge that impacted negatively on the ini-

therefore does not have a dedicated section that is re-

tial progress of the project was the method of pay-

sponsible for the administration of this instrument. In

PHQW&DVLGUDFRXOGQRWEHH[SHFWHGWREULGJHÀQDQFH

truth the Genadendal Project is the only project within

the development and it was therefore important that a

the Western Cape Province where the Rural Housing

SRVLWLYHFDVKÁRZIRUWKHSURMHFWEHPDLQWDLQHG,Q

6XEVLG\LVFXUUHQWO\EHLQJXWLOL]HG+HUHLQOD\VWKHÀUVW

cases where municipalities are the developers of

challenge. The Rural Housing Subsidy is a community

projects the Department is able to make advance pay-

intensive program and therefore complex by nature.

PHQWVWRHQVXUHSRVLWLYHFDVKÁRZ:LWK&DVLGUDDVWKH

Ideally it has dedicated staff assisting the Implement-

contracting party, payments were initially made based

ing Agent in its duties. Other community orientated

RQSURJUHVV7KLVOHDGVWRDGPLQLVWUDWLYHGLIÀFXOWLHVIRU

SURJUDPVVXFKDVWKH3HRSOH·V+RXVLQJ3URFHVVDUH

the implementing agent and a more viable solution had

supported by a specialist unit that allows for grass-root

to be found. By the time upfront payments could be

involvement by the Department. The Genadendal

made to Casidra, the Project had been under develop-

Project however had to be mainstreamed within the

ment already for a considerable period of time.

Department and the problems that were encountered

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

65

Figure 2 Before renovation (image from Cassidra)

Figure 3 After renovation (image from Cassidra)

Figure 4 During renovation (image from Cassidra)

Figure 5 After renovation (image from Cassidra)

Figure 6 During renovation (image from Cassidra)

Figure 7 After renovation (image from Cassidra)

66

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

5.3

Challenge of service provision

5.5

Beneficiary qualification criteria

At the initiation phase of the Project the Department

The Rural Housing Subsidy by its nature and content

was clear that the primary aim of the project should

SUHVXSSRVHVDQLGHQWLÀHGEHQHÀFLDU\FRPPXQLW\

EHWKHSURYLVLRQRISURSHUVDQLWDWLRQWRWKHEHQHÀFLDU-

:KHUHDVWKLVFRXOGEHFRQVWUXHGDVDEHQHÀWDQGFRXOG

ies. Only houses that could be linked to the sewer net-

relieve the administrative burden of searching for and

ZRUNFRXOGWKHUHIRUHEHXSJUDGHG&DVLGUD·VSDSHUE\

ÀQGLQJSRWHQWLDOEHQHÀFLDULHVLWDOVRSUHVHQWVD

Pansegrouw, Oosthuizen and Combrink) elaborates

XQLTXHFKDOOHQJH,IDVSHFLÀFEHQHÀFLDU\IDLOVZLWKLQ

more on the challenges this prerequisite posed. It is

*UHHQÀHOG·V'HYHORSPHQWWKDWEHQHÀFLDU\LVVLPSO\

however important to notify that a substantial amount

replaced by the next name on the waiting list. In the

of work was done (drawings etc.) before it was estab-

FDVHRIDSURMHFWZLWKDSUHGHÀQHGEHQHÀFLDU\FRP-

OLVKHGWKDWDODUJHSHUFHQWDJHRIKRXVHVLGHQWLÀHGIRU

PXQLW\WKLVLVQRWSRVVLEOHDQGDEHQHÀFLDU\ZKRIDLOV

upgrading did not have access to sewer connections.

FDQVLPSO\QRWEHDVVLVWHGZLWKDVXEVLG\7KLVEHQHÀ-

The abortive work resulted in further delays and frus-

ciary however still resides within the project area and

tration.

is left to his or her own devises, while his neighbors are provided with services and better living conditions.

5.4

Cost constraints

The impact of this on the morale of a close knit com-

The cost of house construction has escalated dramati-

munity like Genadendal should not be underestimated.

cally over the past few years. The funds that were

The ethical complexities of such a situation must also

DYDLODEOHWKURXJKWKHKRXVLQJVXEVLG\DUHEDUHO\VXIÀ-

EHFRQVLGHUHG0RVWRIWKHEHQHÀFLDULHVZKRIDLOHGLQ

cient to produce the minimum product required. In the

the Genadendal Project failed because they were eld-

case of the Genadendal Project the constraints of the

HUO\SHRSOHZKRKDGORVWWKHLUVSRXVHVDQGKDGQRÀ-

available subsidy funding were glaringly evident. The

nancial dependants. The matter was further complicat-

Rural Housing Subsidy is also capped at the prevailing

HGE\WKHIDFWWKDWPRVWRIWKHVHEHQHÀFLDULHVZRXOG

VXEVLG\DPRXQWUHOHYDQWWRDVSHFLÀFÀQDQFLDO\HDU,W

KDYHTXDOLÀHGGXULQJWKHLQFHSWLRQRIWKHSURMHFWEXW

does not make allowance for the unique nature of

because of the slow implementation of the project,

projects such as the upgrading of a historical settle-

their partners had passed away by the time that their

PHQW$VWKHEHQHÀFLDULHVGRQRWKDYHRZQHUVKLSRI

subsidy applications were submitted. This is possibly

WKHLUKRXVHVWKH\FDQQRWDFFHVVÀQDQFLDODVVLVWDQFH

one of the greatest shortcomings of the Rural Housing

through banks. Without donor funding there would be

6XEVLG\LWSUHVXSSRVHVDGHÀQHGEHQHÀFLDU\FRPPX-

no source to supplement the subsidy funds and this

nity, but it still imposes the same qualifying criteria as

challenge would become more insurmountable as con-

for other developments.

struction costs escalate even further.

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

67

6

Conclusion

lenges were worth it and they can now live more digniÀHGOLYHV,WPLJKWWKHUHIRUHEHPRUHDSSURSULDWHWR

It cannot be denied that the implementation and ad-

judge the project against the impact on the lives of

ministration of the Rural Housing Subsidy has very real

WKHVHEHQHÀFLDULHV

challenges. The problems presented by the Genadendal

Whereas the Department would have to rethink the

Project impacted on all the stakeholders involved in

future application of the Rural Housing Subsidy in the

the implementation and management of the project.

Western Cape and, by extension, the future develop-

However, the importance and usefulness of a subsidy

ment of the Genadendal Project, the lessons learned

instrument cannot be judged by one project alone. The

from the past few years will serve to inform our deci-

Genadendal experience must not be seen as indicative

sions. The challenges of this project will have positive

of the challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy. Gena-

outcomes in that the Department would be able to

dendal is a project that is altogether unique. We should

avoid these hurdles in future developments of this na-

rather attempt to learn from the experience and en-

ture. All stakeholders will be better informed and

GHDYRUWRÀQGDPRUHHIIHFWLYHDQGYLDEOHVROXWLRQWR

therefore better prepared. We should advance in a

assist people in similar circumstances.

positive spirit, instead of dwelling on the negative, and

Ultimately we need to recognize that at least a hundred families were provided with sanitation and with a better housing structure. To these families the chal-

68

Challenges of the Rural Housing Subsidy

not shy away from embarking on challenging and unique projects.

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock 33DQVHJURXZ3URMHFW/HDGHU .2RVWKXL]HQ&KLHI2SHUDWLRQV2IÀFHU DQG*&&RPEULQN*HQHUDO0DQDJHU  Casidra (PTY) Ltd, South Africa

1

Introduction

2

Development path of the Genadendal project

Casidra is the implementing agent for rural housing in the Western Cape. It is a Provincial Government Enter-

The planning and project set-up process was slow due

prise linked to the Department of Agriculture of the

to the nature of the project, the requirements for the

Western Cape and its mandate currently involves Agri-

Rural Housing Subsidy and lack of knowledge from the

culture and Economic Development within a rural and

participants on the subsidy scheme. An initial business

land reform context. Casidra developed a business plan

plan was delivered to the Housing Board during 2000

in 1999 in conjunction with the Department of Cultural

and was approved to proceed with detailed planning.

Affairs Western Cape to implement the Rural Housing

Only houses that had available sewerage connections

Subsidy Scheme in the Western Cape. The Rural Hous-

could qualify for the scheme and the Theewaterskloof

ing Subsidy Scheme is a national project whereby peo-

0XQLFLSDOLW\ÀUVWKDGWRDSSO\IRUDGGLWLRQDO&0,3IXQG-

ple who do not have any formal land rights can qualify

ing for sewerage infrastructure. The subsidy was to be

for a state subsidy if they meet certain criteria. With

used for the renovation of houses, meaning that:

co-funding from the Dutch Government, the Casidra

ƒ basic amenities such as a toilet, shower and hand

Housing Scheme was to act as anchor funding from the

EDVLQZRXOGEHLQVWDOOHG

6RXWK$IULFDQVLGH7KHÀUVWSKDVHRIWKH*HQDGHQGDO

ƒ WKHURRIZRXOGEHPDGHZDWHUSURRI

project aimed at providing one hundred houses that

ƒ all outside walls would be plastered to prevent in-

were waterproofed with basic amenities to qualifying

JUHVVRIPRLVWXUH

EHQHÀFLDULHVDW*HQDGHQGDODQGZKHUHSRVVLEOHDWUH-

ƒ ZLQGRZVDQGGRRUVZRXOGEHUHSDLUHG

storing the historical fabric of these houses. Various

ƒ storm water drainage around the house would be

problems occurred in the implementation phase of the project and valuable lessons were learned, which could add value to the process should other provinces or de-

DGGUHVVHGE\RSHQIXUURZV ƒ only if funds were available, would attention be given to cosmetic repairs of the house.

velopers endeavour to roll out the same subsidy. The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

69

Phase Funding for restoration work had already been made available by the HGIS-C project. Casidra had given its

Number of subsidies

Amount in Rand

commitment at a meeting in Genadendal to complete

1

49

R

two hundred houses by October 2007 on condition that

2

5

R

1,627,730 223,850 (2006/07 subsidy)

other role-players also come on board with the

3

46

R

2,059,420 (2006/07 subsidy)

project. This milestone was reached when the DepartPHQWRI+RXVLQJDSSURYHGWKHÀQDOFRQWUDFWIRURQH

Casidra further decided at its 2007 strategic planning

hundred houses on 13 March 2007.

session to narrow its focus and to exit the Rural Housing Subsidy Program after the completion of the con-

2.1

Business plan

tracted hundred houses.

The Genadendal Project was technically very different from any other low-cost housing projects with plans,

3

Implementation methodology

FRVWVVFRSHRIZRUNVDQGÀQDQFLDOFRQWUROIRUHDFKLQdividual house. The subsidy was a pooled subsidy,

$VDFRQWULEXWLRQWRZDUGV*HQDGHQGDO·VORFDOHFRQRPLF

whereby some houses that needed more funding were

development, it was decided that only small, previous-

¶VXEVLGLVHG·E\KRXVHVWKDWZHUHLQDEHWWHUFRQGLWLRQ

ly disadvantaged contractors from Genadendal would

and needed less funds. A detailed business plan for the

be used for the contract. Casidra acted as the develop-

ÀUVWKRXVHVZDVVXEPLWWHGRQ6HSWHPEHU

er of the project and, in conjunction with GENOT as

and the contract (valued at R 1,151,100) was approved

implementing agent (for phase 1: 49 houses), was re-

by the Housing Board on 18 December 2003.

sponsible for the implementation of the project. Fur-

Genadendal falls within the Southern Cape Coastal

ther to this, Casidra had been appointed to act as the

Condensation Area (SCCCA). The subsidy amount was

ÀQDQFLDODJHQWDVZHOO$QDJUHHPHQWKDGEHHQVLJQHG

later adjusted and the SCCCA added. The Housing

between Casidra and GENOT to secure the responsibili-

Board has approved the allowance of R 2600 SCCCA-

ties and duties of the project. Documentation for the

funds per applicant, which has also contributed to ad-

obtaining of tenders for builders was sent out, but due

ditions to the Scope of Works on the project. Due to

WRWKHODFNRIÀQDQFLDOPHDQVRIWKHVPDOOFRQWUDFWRUV

the poor conditions on site, the Department of Housing

tenders were awarded as labour-only contracts, with

had requested Casidra to request an additional 15% per

Casidra supplying the material. Thus instead of Casidra

applicant. Furthermore, the plan scrutiny fees, as well

being the developer, it ended up being the contractor,

as the municipal connection fees of R 2000 per appli-

taking up all responsibilities of the project.

cant were wavered by the municipality. The Memorandum of Agreement between the Hous-

The main contact person with GENOT, Charlton Smith, unfortunately resigned at the end of June 2005.

ing Department and Casidra included one hundred

+HSOD\HGDQLQWHJUDOSDUWLQIXOÀOOLQJWKHUROHRIWKH

households divided in three phases, namely:

implementing agent. As GENOT did not appoint some-

70

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

RQHHOVHLQ6PLWK·VSODFHWKHDJUHHPHQWZDVWHUPLQDW-

HGXSZLWKWKHUHVSRQVLELOLW\RIDJDLQÀQDQFLQJWKH

ed. Then an agreement was reached with GESOT to act

project and ordering material. Some of the applications for rural housing subsidies

as implementing agent and to assist in the administraWLRQRIWKHSURMHFWEXWGXHWRXQIXOÀOOHGÀVFDOUHTXLUH-

RYHUODSSHGZLWKWKHKRXVHVLGHQWLÀHGIRUUHVWRUDWLRQ

PHQWVWKH\FRXOGQ·WFRQWLQXHWKHLUHQJDJHPHQW

E\+*,6&DQGWKLVEHFDPHNQRZQDV¶WRSXSKRXVHV·

either.

These were restored with Dutch funding from HGIS-C

The methodology employed in Phase 1 meant that &DVLGUDKDGWRIXOÀOWKHIROORZLQJMREUHVSRQVLELOLWLHV

and the available subsidy amount per house paid by the Rural Housing Fund.

ƒ material ordering clerk – ordering and managing HYHU\VLQJOHLWHP

4

Planning process

ƒ site agent – quality inspections and technical VXSSRUW ƒ contracts manager – payment evaluations, work PHWKRGRORJ\ ƒ project manager – co-ordination of all events with

The planning process involved approval of the Rural Housing Subsidy applications, development and approval of technical drawings and procurement of the contractor or builder.

QXPHURXVUROHSOD\HUV ƒ TXDQWLW\VXUYH\RU²GUDIWLQJRISD\PHQWFHUWLÀFDWHV SD\PHQWHYDOXDWLRQV

4.1

Approval of subsidy applications

With the exit of GESOT and Charlton Smith of GENOT,

ƒ architect – corrections and amendments to plans.

who was instrumental in the collection and completion

$VVXFK&DVLGUD·VUROHZDVH[WUHPHO\DFWLYHLQSKDVH

of Rural Housing Subsidy application forms at the time

and demanded a huge effort. However, for all this it

when the project co-ordinator at Casidra resigned and

received only a 7% developer and 5% implementer fee,

was replaced, the momentum of the planning process

which were totally inadequate to cover its expenses.

stopped. The start-up time for the new project co-ordi-

It was decided to empower the local contractors

nator and utilization of two unemployed residents from

from phase 2 onwards in that they would provide mate-

*HQDGHQGDODQGWKH&RPPXQLW\/LDLVRQ2IÀFHURIWKH

rial and labour for the contract, thus eliminating all

Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, resulted in a long

the logistical and other extra workload surrounding the

delay and a slow and drawn out process in obtaining

implementation methodology. This approach would

completed subsidy applications. Through the continued

also make the project more cost-effective by reducing

HIIRUWVRIWKH7KHHZDWHUVNORRIFRPPXQLW\OLDLVRQRIÀ

the management time required. However, the builders

cer, the process was completed. The average time for

submitted their loan application forms for the iKapa/

a Genadendal resident to correctly complete his/her

ABSA Fund for small loans, but this scheme was termi-

application form was approximately three months. The

nated before the builders could access it, so no other

average time for the Department of Housing to approve

PHDQVRIÀQDQFLQJZDVDYDLODEOH$VVXFK&DVLGUDHQG-

a submitted application was approximately 2½ months.

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

71

Figure 1 Planning versus completion timeframe

Figure 2 Expenditure per house on houses completed in phases 2 and 3

72

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

This resulted in an average time for the approval of a

force. It was, therefore, vitally important to appoint

subsidy of approximately 5½ months.

the builder as soon as possible. Site visits by the Developing Agent were scheduled every two weeks and the

4.2

Development and approval of technical drawings

When a survey was done on the potential applicants in

builders were appointed at the next site visit after the drawings were received. The average time to appoint the contractor was about two days.

Genadendal, numbering 480, the Department of Housing assisted in the generation of a large number of

5

Construction phase

technical drawings for the houses occupied by the potential applicants. However, due to various reasons,

Phase 2 received a setback in that the municipality did

such as previously received subsidies, applicants having

not want Casidra to work on houses that did not have

other properties registered in their names, or appli-

sewerage. In the Theewaterskloof Municipality current-

cants not having dependants, a large number of draw-

ly four different systems are in operation, being the

ings could not be used because the applications failed.

bucket system, soak-away system, conservancy tank

Of the 147 drawings produced to date, only 77 could be

system and normal sewerage system, which is too

submitted for approved applications (52%). It was,

much for management. They have unfortunately not

therefore, decided that drawings would only be gener-

EHHQDEOHWRPHHW*HQDGHQGDO·VVHZHUDJHQHHGVDQG

DWHGIRUDSSOLFDWLRQVWKDWUHDFKHGWKH¶YHULÀHGDQG

this means that only houses that have sewerage can be

SDVVHGVHDUFKHV·VWDWXVRQWKH+RXVLQJ6XSSRUW6\VWHP

worked upon.

(HSS). This resulted in the process of generating draw-

After a meeting with the Provincial Housing Board

ings for approved subsidies to be done only after the

(PHB) it was decided not to stop the project, but to

application process and not in conjunction with it. The

submit a business plan for the houses whose plans have

average time to generate a drawing was about two

been completed and whose sewerage were in place.

weeks. This was a very positive input towards the com-

ÀJXUHLQGLFDWHVWKHFRUUHODWLRQEHWZHHQWKHFX-

pletion of the project. Initially the time required by

mulative progress of subsidy approvals and the signing

the Theewaterskloof Municipality to approve drawings

off on completed houses. From the shape of the two

was two months. After this was discussed at a meeting,

lines, it is evident that the completion of houses is a

all the plans were approved within two weeks.

representation of the subsidy approvals received previously. The distance between the approval of a subsidy

4.3

Procurement of contractor or builder

line and the completed houses line represents the time

By the time the subsidy and building plan was ap-

spent on planning and construction. This distance

proved, the builders (used from the local community)

tends to become smaller as the project progresses.

normally had run out of work on the project. This re-

This is an indication that the process of planning and

sulted in sporadic availability of builders and work-

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

73

constructing a house for an approved subsidy becomes

the roof structure, but which fell below the available

PRUHHIÀFLHQWDVWKHSURMHFWSURJUHVVHV

construction amount, both had existing bathrooms. Almost all houses (75%) below the lower limit of the

5.1

Expenditure analysis

The following analysis of expenditure was done on 26

standard deviation had an existing bathroom and none required work on the roof structure.

completed houses in phases 2 and 3 of the project. The JUDSKLQÀJXUHUHSUHVHQWVWKHYDULDWLRQVLQH[SHQGL-

6

Conclusion: lessons learned

ture per house of the whole project. The average expenditure per house is R 42,318 and

Special measures need to be put in place to reduce the

the median of the expenditure on the 26 houses is R

time it takes to help a subsidy applicant correctly com-

43,523. If this is compared with the construction

plete an application form and attach the required doc-

amount available from a normal subsidy of R 41,636 it

umentation. Continuity was very important in this re-

means that the houses to date on the pooled subsidy

gard, as many potential applicants insisted on talking

scheme were overspent, on average by R 681 each.

to the project co-ordinator even though the community

This amount should be covered by interest and limit fu-

OLDLVRQRIÀFHURUFRQWUDFWZRUNHUZDVUHVSRQVLEOHIRU

ture house expenditure to approximately R 41,000.

the process. Thus, in terms of experience on this

If the Genadendal Project was not implemented by means of a pooled subsidy, where houses which required less work make more funding available for hous-

project, a start-up time of six months must be allowed before construction. The unfortunate combination of the time required

es which require more reparation work, it would not

to obtain and approve subsidy applications, and the

have been possible to implement the project. Further-

resignation and replacement of the project co-ordina-

more, if upfront payments had not been made by the

tor, led to various breaks in the construction process.

Department of Housing, and the difference between

Such discontinuation of allocation of houses to contrac-

the subsidy and expenditure could not be funded

tors leads to contractors leaving the project and thus

through the interest, the project could also not have

to a loss of workforce. The availability of work and

been implemented.

houses became the main concern for the builders. The start-up time and bulk subsidy approvals must be tar-

5.2

Deviations

geted for this type of project. If six contractors are

$VFDQEHVHHQLQÀJXUHWKHVWDQGDUGGHYLDWLRQRI

used, eighteen subsidy applications must be submitted

R 15,907 results in a bottom limit of R 27,617 and upper

ÀYHPRQWKVEHIRUHWKHFRQWUDFWRUVDUHHQJDJHGDQG

limit of R 59,430. All houses above the upper limit of

every seven months during construction. If fewer subsi-

the standard deviation required roof structure work

dy applications are submitted or approved, batches of

and a new bathroom – in fact, this was for 11 of the 13

subsidies must be submitted more frequently.

houses (85%). The two houses with work required to

74

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

The process in assisting the potential subsidy appli-

cants in completing the application form and providing

VLG\QDWXUHRIWKHSURMHFWDQGWKHVSHFLÀFZRUNWREH

the required documentation was very time-consuming.

GRQHRQDQLQGLYLGXDOVXEVLG\DSSOLFDQW·VKRXVHZDVUH-

Various measures were taken to expedite the process,

corded and explained to the applicant, many com-

e.g. taking a commissioner of oaths to the applicants,

plaints were lodged regarding differences between

visiting potential applicants at their houses, holding

work done at various houses and expectations on work

application process meetings with applicants while

not included. A contract for each house containing the

they completed their forms, as well as appointing vari-

drawing, schedule of quantities, cost summary and

ous contract workers and utilizing the community liai-

DJUHHPHQWWREHVLJQHGZDVFUXFLDOLQGHÀQLQJZRUNWR

VRQRIÀFHURIWKHORFDOPXQLFLSDOLW\7KHFRQWUDFW

be done, as well as work to be omitted. The use of a

workers were appointed and paid per completed appli-

VKRUWGHVFULSWLRQRIWKH6FRSHRI:RUNVLQOD\PDQ·V

cation form. Due to the length and effort involved in

terms was introduced for phases 2 and 3 of the

the process, they lost interest. Many potential appli-

project. However, when pressure on the time spent on

cants also chose to speak to the project co-ordinator

the project through budget constraints arose, this was

DQGQRWWKHFRQWUDFWZRUNHURUFRPPXQLW\OLDLVRQRIÀF-

LGHQWLÀHGDVDQRQFUXFLDODFWLYLW\DQGZDVVXVSHQGHG

er. While all these measures kept the process moving,

In liaison with both the subsidy holders and builders, it

it did not produce approved subsidies at the required

transpired that such understandable description of the

time. The involvement of and commitment from the lo-

Scope of Works in simple language and without quanti-

cal municipality and community leadership are factors

ties, was one of the main guidance documents under-

in the subsidy application and approval process.

stood and used by both the subsidy holder and builder.

The implementation of the project was based on la-

In some instances, vandalism of completed works by

bour-only contracts with builders, since they did not

the owners or subsidy holders occurred. Most of these

have the capacity to provide labour and material. The

problems occurred over weekends when the contractor

management of the material orders proved to be a

was not present at the house. Some subsidy holders ex-

WLPHFRQVXPLQJSURFHVVDQGOHGWRYDULRXVFRQÁLFWVUH-

pressed their dissatisfaction with proper work, while

garding availability and delivery of items. The use of a

they were actually cross that they did not receive the

knowledgeable local representative to co-ordinate ma-

same work as another house or did not receive a ceil-

terial orders and the subsidy application collection, as

ing in the house. In general, the ownership of and

ZHOODVWKHLQYROYHPHQWRIDORFDOPXQLFLSDOLW\RIÀFLDO

sense of responsibility to regard the house as an asset

seems crucial for acceptable progress in this regard. It

to be preserved and maintained, was lacking amongst

is, however, questionable whether the management

WKHEHQHÀFLDULHVRIWKHSURMHFW

budget for this type of project could sustain such expenses.

Almost all of the houses for which the expenditure was above the available construction amount for a nor-

Expectations of owners caused long snag lists and

mal subsidy, involved roof structure work, a new bath-

unreasonable complaints. Even though the pooled sub-

room and, in some cases, wall structure repairs or re-

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

75

construction. To uncover these requirements

complicated and through the implementation period

beforehand is extremely time-consuming and cannot be

Casidra had three successive project managers respon-

covered by the management budget. A roof construc-

sible for the project. It took on average two months to

tion reserve according to the size of the house was,

replace a person and a further two months for the new

therefore, applied while planning the expected budget

person to understand the whole process, which result-

for houses in phase 3. Although the budget for the

ed in further delays.

house then includes money for such works, the balanc-

,WLVQRWÀQDQFLDOO\YLDEOHIRUDSULYDWHGHYHORSHUWR

ing of the total budget for the project becomes very

access the Rural Housing Scheme. The costs involved

GLIÀFXOW7KHDSSURYDORIPRUHVXEVLGLHVWKDQZKLFK

H[FHHGDQ\SURÀWWREHPDGHIURPWKHVXEVLG\VFKHPH

the project allows for became crucial towards the end

which limits its use to Government enterprises.

of the project. For future projects, the approval of a

The intricate rules of the scheme and government

bulk of thirty subsidies for the last twenty houses of

red tape resulted in every move becoming a hurdle. In

the project could be a suitable solution to balance the

order for any other institution to take up this scheme,

total project budget.

the rules need to be cleaned up.

The administration of the pooled subsidy is rather

76

Challenges of Implementing the New Rural Housing Subsidy for Existing Historical Building Stock

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal Denver Damons and Marius Brand, Theewaterskloof Municipality, South Africa

1

Local Government transformation

ƒ *HQDGHQGDO7UDQVLWLRQDO5XUDO&RXQFLO ƒ &DOHGRQ0XQLFLSDOLW\ ƒ *UDERXZ0XQLFLSDOLW\

The provision of infrastructure in Greater Genadendal

ƒ *UH\WRQ0XQLFLSDOLW\

has had several challenges over the years. The imple-

ƒ 5LYLHUVRQGHUHQG0XQLFLSDOLW\

mentation of the HGIS-C Genadendal Restoration

ƒ 9LOOLHUVGRUS0XQLFLSDOLW\

Project took place in the midst of a restructuring of

ƒ all rural areas surrounding above-mentioned towns,

the local government environment in South Africa. This

previously administered by the Overberg District

was a necessary process to align local government

Council.

within the constitutional framework that was imple-

The amalgamation process created some confusion and

mented in post-Apartheid South Africa. As expected,

frustration amongst the residents, because although

no restructuring process is without the initial teething

the land and assets had been transferred from the

problems, which certainly had an initial negative im-

Overberg District Council, not all the powers and func-

pact on service delivery to the citizens and also on the

WLRQVKDGEHHQFODULÀHGZKLFKZDVFOHDUO\KDPSHULQJ

implementation of the project.

the smooth continuation of service delivery in certain

The Theewaterskloof Municipality was established

areas.

on 5 December 2000 under the terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act of 1998. The process was facilitated by the Municipal Demarcation Board result-

1.1

Organizational restructuring of the Theewaterskloof municipality

ing in a wall-to-wall area demarcation for all local au-

With the amalgamation also came the centralisation of

thorities. This process led to the amalgamation of a

service delivery responsibility within the municipal

number of former local authorities into the Theewater-

headquarters in Caledon. The advantages of central-

skloof Municipality, being:

ized holistic and integrated planning, strategies and

ƒ %RWULYHU7UDQVLWLRQDO5XUDO&RXQFLO

policy making became clear at an early stage. Service

ƒ 7HVVODDUVGDO7UDQVLWLRQDO5XUDO&RXQFLO

delivery performance on the other hand proved to be

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

77

hampered by the centralisation and had to be remod-

of land tenure remained unchanged. Under the House

elled. The municipality therefore introduced the so-

RI5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV$GPLQLVWUDWLRQLQWKHODWH·V

FDOOHG¶7RZQ0DQDJHUPRGHO·GXULQJWKHÀQDQ-

(and with the implementation of the Rural Areas Act

cial year. The intention of this model is to decentralize

No. 9 of 1987), the traditional form of communal ten-

VHUYLFHGHOLYHU\EDFNWRWKHUHVSHFWLYH7RZQ2IÀFHV

ure started to be eroded with the conversion of some

and to make the newly appointed Town Managers re-

of the residential erven to freehold title. This granting

sponsible for the level and standard of service delivery

of freehold tenure continued to occur in an ad-hoc

in the respective towns. The Town Managers have full

fashion over the past 21 years.

control over the deployment of their available re-

With the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act,

sources and they have the delegated authority to deal

1998 (Act 94 of 1998), the transfer of commonly shared

with local issues and to resolve local service delivery

land (i.e. commonages, saailande, paglande and the

problems within the constraints of corporate strategy,

garden allotments) to a Community Land Trust has be-

policy and parameters. An Acting Town Manager was

gun to take place. The transformation process has,

appointed for Greyton and Genadendal.

however, suffered tremendous set-backs since its inception, mainly due to differences between the various

1.2

Land tenure transformation

stakeholders over the process. Many attempts by the

The provision of infrastructure in Genadendal was fur-

role players to get the process on track in the past

ther challenged by the unresolved land tenure situation

have failed.

in this settlement. Unlike other Moravian missions,

During November 2006 the Transformation Commit-

such as Elim and Goedverwacht, where the Moravian

tee of Genadendal brought an urgent application in the

Church is the owner of the land, in Genadendal the

+LJK&RXUWZLWKWKH'HSDUWPHQWRI/DQG$IIDLUVDVÀUVW

Moravian Church acquired the land after the resump-

respondent and the Theewaterskloof Municipality and

tion of mission work in 1792 to develop the settlement

8UEDQ'\QDPLFV&RXQFLO·V7UDQVIRUPDWLRQDSSRLQWHG

on Crown grant land. At a later stage the Church was

service provider) as respectively second and third re-

to purchase a portion of this land, occupied by the

spondents. A settlement agreement has subsequently

Church werf and its associated buildings, which it still

been reached which has been signed by the Depart-

owns to this day. With this arrangement the inhabitants

ment of Land Affairs and the Transformation Commit-

of the Greater Genadendal occupied house erven on a

tee. This agreement must still be approved and signed

leasehold basis. This arrangement was applied until re-

by the Council of the Theewaterskloof Municipality.

cently and in some cases still remains the basis on which inhabitants occupy parts of the settlement. In 1949 with the promulgation of the Mission Sta-

7KHIXOÀOPHQWRIWKH0XQLFLSDOLW\·VFRQVWLWXWLRQDO obligation in terms of service provision to all its inhabitants was in some cases negatively affected by the un-

tions and Reserves Act (Act 12 of 1949) and again with

resolved land transformation issue. Consultation with

the Rural Coloured Areas Act (Act 24 of 1963) this form

the Transformation Committee introduced another di-

78

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

mension, which further delayed decision making and a

ÀFLDOVIURP+HULWDJH:HVWHUQ&DSHDQGWRIROORZWKH

timely response to service delivery challenges. In the

Guidelines and the Conservation Use Plan prepared for

%XFNHW(UDGLFDWLRQ3URMHFWIRUH[DPSOHEDFNÀOODQG

Genadendal at the inception of the Project. Compli-

road material had to be sourced at additional cost from

ance to the statutory requirements of the National

outside the Genadendal area, due to the refusal of the

Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) will in

Transformation Committee of the use of the local

future prevent this from occurring.

sources.

2.1

2

Standard engineering and planning practice in South Africa and integration and coordination

Roads and stormwater

The ring roads in Genadendal, Voorstekraal, Bereaville DQG%RVFKPDQVNORRIIXOÀODQLPSRUWDQWUROHLQXQORFNing the economic development and tourism potential of this area. The condition of these roads and tidiness of the road reserve area are further playing an impor-

Modernisation of vernacular patterns of settlements

tant role in the overall impression of these settlements

present many types of problems, e.g. planning in the

and should therefore receive far more attention than is

absence of appropriate place-related guidelines. Stand-

FXUUHQWO\WKHFDVH7KH¶SURFODLPHGPLQRUURDG·VWDWXV

ard South African engineering and planning practices

of the ring road in Genadendal implies that the upgrad-

are in some cases inappropriate and at odds with the

ing and maintenance of the road be funded by the Lo-

characteristic pattern of the settlement and are intru-

cal Municipality with the additional constraint of ob-

sive and damaging. Typical road and storm water de-

taining approval from the Western Cape Provincial

sign and road alignment standards are not easily blend-

Department of Transport and Public Works prior to

HGZLWKWKHVLWHVSHFLÀFUHTXLUHPHQWVRIKLVWRULF

commencement of any construction activity in their

OD\RXWSDWWHUQV7KHRULJLQDOIRXQGDWLRQRUÁRRUOHYHOV

road reserve area. This arrangement is time consum-

are often not taken into consideration in the design of

ing, counterproductive and does not contribute to the

the vertical alignment of the roads, which contributes

VSLULWRIHIIHFWLYHDQGHIÀFLHQWVHUYLFHGHOLYHU\7KLV

to drainage and damp problems commonly experienced

road should be de-proclaimed and as such be trans-

with historic buildings. The vertical alignment of the

ferred to the Municipality as a high priority on the Mu-

ring road passing the historic church on the werf and

nicipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Similarly,

certain sections of Bergstraat are clear manifestations

the road between Genadendal, Voorstekraal and Be-

of this problem. Attention to detail and the considera-

reaville must be de-proclaimed to the Municipality. In

WLRQRIVSHFLÀFORFDOFLUFXPVWDQFHVGRHVQRWQHFHVVDUL-

the current Bucket Eradication Project the Municipality

ly require more specialized skills. It is in most cases a

ÀUVWKDGWRREWDLQDSSURYDOIRUWKHVHZHUSLSHFURVV-

matter of being alert to these aspects and necessary to

ings, and was then further prohibited from laying the

work in collaboration with the local community and of-

sewer pipe in the road reserve area.

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

79

Figure 1 Construction of sidewalk and water drain at Bergstraat

Figure 2 Garden allotments at Genadendal

Investment in storm water infrastructure is normally

Figure 3 Dr. Isaac Balie discovered an historic piece of wooden water pipe whilst the excavations were done.

FLDOO\JUDYHOURDGVDQGIXUWKHUSRVHVÁRRGLQJULVNRI

severely neglected in areas of a high level of service

private property and contribute to the damp problems

delivery backlog. Storm water projects are normally

experienced in the old houses. The overall impression

rated at a lower priority in the long list of community

of a town is immediately negatively affected by the

needs during the IDP prioritisation process. Given the

lack of storm water drainage. The damage to the roads

budget constraints and affordability of the community,

further escalates maintenance cost and if calculated

these projects seldom reach the municipal budget and

could easily justify the initial capital investment in the

WKHUHIRUHGRQRWJHWLPSOHPHQWHG,QVXIÀFLHQWVWRUP

storm water infrastructure.

water drainage causes severe damage to roads, espe-

80

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

2.2

Topography of the area

Genadendal and Voorstekraal. Bereaville could not be

The large-scale natural setting and topography of the

connected and had to be supplied with a conservancy

area lead to the development of the agricultural land

tank system. The main reason for the higher cost is the

in the more fertile soil associated with the valleys and

distance between the three settlements and the asso-

the rivers and streams utilising gravity for irrigation.

ciated additional cost of the additional length of pipe

Thus the residential areas were laid out in a horseshoe

required to link the settlements with the centralized

pattern along either side of the more arid valley

Wastewater Treatment Plant in Genadendal. The cost

slopes. It is this pattern of settlement, at macro level,

of the provision of a vacuum tank service for conser-

that helps to characterize the cultural landscape of

vancy tanks is also higher, due to the greater distance

Greater Genadendal and simultaneously contributes to

per household serviced.

the higher cost of infrastructure provision than would have been the case if the layout was concentrated in

2.3

RQHSODFHDQGGHYHORSHGRQÁDWWHUUDLQ The initial cost of roads and storm water and hous-

Absence of infrastructure layout plans and as-built drawings

Earlier provision of underground infrastructure, such as

ing provision on steep slopes is much higher than on a

water and sewer pipes and electricity and telecommu-

ÁDWWHUUDLQ7KHPDLQWHQDQFHFRVWRIWKHVHURDGVHV-

nication cables, were not documented and created a

SHFLDOO\LIXQVXUIDFHGDQGZLWKRXWVXIÀFLHQWVWRUPZD-

tremendous problem in the development of effective

ter drainage, is huge and unaffordable by the commu-

DQGHIÀFLHQWRSHUDWLRQDQGPDLQWHQDQFHSODQV7KH

nity at large. All roads steeper than 7% should be

absence of these as-built drawings further complicates

surfaced or appropriately stabilized.

the modelling of these services, which is required as

The cost of potable water provision per household is

input for long-term planning and the development of

also much higher than would have been the case in a

Master Plans. Furthermore, the absence of the infra-

consolidated settlement pattern. Water source devel-

structure layout plans complicates construction activi-

opment, water storage and water treatment must be

ties and contributes to higher costs in the installation

provided separately for each of the four settlements

of underground services due to damages to other serv-

due to the spatial distribution of these settlements in

ices during construction.

the four valleys. The cost per household for the installation of a sew-

2.4

Floods

er network is much higher than the national standard.

7KH*UHDWHU*HQDGHQGDODUHDLVSURQHWRODUJHÁRRGV

The funding approved by the national Department of

ZKLFKFDXVHPDMRUGDPDJH/DUJHÁRRGVUHFRUGHGLQ

Water Affairs and Forestry and the national Depart-

1913, 1921, 1936, 1941 and 1945 caused major damage

ment of Provincial and Local Government for the cur-

to crops and buildings and roads, which had a lasting

rent Bucket Eradication Project, for instance, only al-

impact on the local economy for many years. The

lowed for the installation of a sewer network in

QXPEHURIÁRRGVLQPRUHUHFHQW\HDUVIRUH[DPSOHWKH

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

81

stallation of a sewer network in Genadendal and Voorstekraal and Conservancy tanks in Bereaville and the SURYLVLRQRIÁDVKWRLOHWVIRUKRXVHKROGV+RXVHholds that already had a bathroom or that preferred the toilets in the house received in-house toilets and the rest received a top structure outside the house. The position of the top structures was agreed upon in consultation with the owners and was placed as far away as possible to minimize visual impact from the street. Figure 4 5HVXOWRIODVWÁRRGLQ

3.1

Infrastructure provision policy

ÁRRGVWKDWZHUHUHFRUGHGLQDQG

Conservation requires the ongoing coordination of work

VKRZVDGHÀQLWHLQFUHDVHLQWKHIUHTXHQF\DQG

between a range of governmental stakeholders (i.e.

LQWHQVLW\RIÁRRGLQJ7KLVVKRXOGEHDQRWKHUUHDVRQIRU

Cape Nature, Department of Water Affairs and Forest-

urgent investment in the storm water infrastructure of

ry, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and

the four settlements.

other Provincial Government Departments of the Western Cape, the Overberg District Municipality and the

3

Infrastructure investment over the last decade

Theewaterskloof Municipality). It is crucial that the various initiatives be implemented in an integrated manner. In this respect the Theewaterskloof Integrated

The South African Government has invested just over

Development Plan (IDP) must by necessity play a far

R 35,000,000 in infrastructure in this area over last

more pivotal role in the future.

decade. The list of projects with respective budgets is shown in table 1. The more recent projects all focused on meeting

New areas for residential development, new building work and new infrastructure provision (electricity, street lighting, sewers, water, roads and storm water)

the national target of eradicating all buckets in South

can impact negatively on existing features and build-

Africa before December 2007. It started with the in-

LQJVRIKLVWRULFDOV\PEROLFRUDHVWKHWLFVLJQLÀFDQFH$OO

stallation of a sewer network in Boschmanskloof, which

such work needs to be carefully considered and moni-

provided access to a full water-born system for the ap-

tored, as is required by legislation.

proximately 200 households that were still using buck-

New work that would impact on buildings or the

ets. This was followed by the construction of a new

physical fabric should be preceded by a full under-

500 m3/day wastewater treatment plant and the cur-

standing and study of the impact on the buildings and

rent Bucket Eradication Project, which entailed the in-

archaeology of the site. In this regard, the Conserva-

82

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

Table 1

Projects with respective budgets

Project

Investment

Bereaville: Upgrade Sewer System

R

260,000

Bereaville: Upgrade Storm water

R

103,700

Genadendal East: Upgrade Sewerage

R

1,100,000

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Bulk Water Supply

R

39,016

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Internal Roads

R

225,000

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Roads

R

200,000

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Sewer Pump

R

35,000

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Storm water

R

220,000

Genadendal: Rehabilitate Water Supply

R

419,714

Genadendal: Upgrade Water Storage

R

135,000

Bereaville: New Street Lighting

R

157,300

Boschmanskloof: Installation of Sewer Network

R

1,842,224

Boschmanskloof: New Street Lighting

R

159,250

Genadendal: New Gravity Sand Filters

R

906,851

Genadendal: New Street Lighting

R

1,163,601

Genadendal: Upgrade WWTP

R

971,607

Genadendal: Upgrade WWTP

R

4,004,000

Genadendal: Upgrade WWTP

R

418,499

Genadendal: Voorstekraal, Bereaville Bucket Eradication

R

22,625,380

Voorstekraal: New Street Lighting

R

194,350

R

35,180,492

TOTAL tion and Use Plan and Conservation Guidelines pre-

pact Assessment (HIA), where and when required, as

pared by the conservation architects and planners em-

stipulated in the National Heritage Resources Act. Ac-

ployed during the HGIS-C Genadendal Project should

ceptable forms of review and monitoring should be es-

form the basis of any future development.

tablished consisting of interested agencies (Heritage

Experienced conservation architects or archaeolo-

Western Cape and SAHRA), the Municipality and refer-

gists should be employed to undertake a Heritage Im-

ence groups representing the Genadendal Community.

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

83

Where infrastructure needs to be upgraded, the po-

ing eventually formed part of the HGIS-C Genadendal

tential impact of engineering or other interventions

Restoration Project, it would normally be the responsi-

(i.e. edge treatment to roads, horizontal and vertical

bility of the local authority. Nevertheless, it does need

alignment of roads and storm water system, etc. and

to be planned, taking the conservation and upgrading

the introduction of new materials) must be monitored

that has taken place in the village into account. The

on an ongoing basis. All such interventions should also

Theewaterskloof Municipality is responsible to ensure

be subject to a review process. With the upgrading of infrastructure, all existing

that the following projects be implemented: ƒ the upgrading of existing roads (including the com-

alignments of roads, irrigation furrows, routes, path-

pletion in hard surface treatment of the Bergstraat

ways and trails should be used, if at all possible. Work

extension, Marsveldstraat, Karl Jonasstraat, Bakker-

in sensitive archaeological areas should be avoided at all costs. Where this work is unavoidable, it should be monitored by an archaeologist.

VWUDDWHWF  ƒ the repair and cleaning of existing storm water furURZVDQGFDWFKSLWV ƒ the upgrading and canalisation (where deemed nec-

4

Conclusion: infrastructure upgrading recommendations from a conservation perspective

HVVDU\ RIH[LVWLQJVWRUPZDWHUIXUURZV ƒ the construction of new storm water furrows/channels along all roads and in particular on those roads at a slope of more than 7%. Thus, much work still needs to be done on the provi-

Associated with the overall conservation and develop-

sion of services and infrastructure in Genadendal, Be-

ment of Genadendal is the ongoing need for infrastruc-

reaville, Voorstekraal and Boschmanskloof.

ture upgrading. Although some infrastructure upgrad-

84

Infrastructure Provision and Service Delivery Challenges in Genadendal

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project 0LFKDHO-RQDV(GXFDWLRQ2IÀFHURIWKH:HVWHUQ&DSH0XVHXP6HUYLFH Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, South Africa

1

Background

sent their own heritage. These education programs were curriculum-related and will form part of the

The Western Cape Museum Service, a component of

OHDUQHUV·DVVHVVPHQWIRU*UDGH+LVWRU\7KHGHÀQHG

the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, was ap-

project objectives included:

proached by the Chief Director Cultural Affairs and

ƒ creation of a database of the built environment and

Project Director of the HGIS-C Genadendal Restoration

associated oral history testimonies of historic mis-

Project to conduct an education program for learners

VLRQVHWWOHPHQWVLQWKH:HVWHUQ&DSH

from Genadendal and surrounding areas. After a proc-

ƒ expansion of the knowledge base of historic mission

ess of consultation with the Genadendal Mission Muse-

settlements by actively engaging learners from pre-

um and other stakeholders, the need to capacitate

viously marginalized communities in the production

learners of Genadendal and surrounding areas in re-

RINQRZOHGJH

searching and documenting their built environment was LGHQWLÀHG7KHUHVHDUFKPHWKRGRORJ\ZLOOLQFOXGHRUDO KLVWRU\DQGIXOÀOVRQHRIWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIWKH5Hvised National Curriculum Statement. The recording of

ƒ facilitation of heritage activities and the expansion of museums, where applicable, at historic mission VHWWOHPHQWV ƒ assisting of the Western Cape Education Depart-

oral histories will add personal memories to the history

ment and educators in the development of out-

of the dwellings, which will provide that additional di-

FRPHVIRUKHULWDJHLQWKHKLVWRU\OHDUQLQJDUHD

mension of meaning to the built environment.

ƒ promotion of public awareness of heritage and heritage resources and the social and economic bene-

2

Project definition

ÀWVRIFRQVHUYDWLRQDWKLVWRULFPLVVLRQVHWWOHPHQWV and associated environments in the Western Cape.

The Museum Service, in conjunction with the Genadendal Mission Museum, embarked on a process of presenting education programs for educators and learners to enable them to research, document, record and preThe Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

85

Figure 1 Re-thatching a roof

3

Scope, impact and interdepencies

ƒ number and size of historic mission settlements in the Western Cape and their geographical GLVWULEXWLRQ

The scope of the project entailed the presentation of

ƒ OLPLWHGFDSDFLW\RIWKH0XVHXP6HUYLFH

education and other public programs that support and

ƒ perceptions surrounding historic mission

facilitate the learning outcomes of historical enquiry,

VHWWOHPHQWV

knowledge and interpretation and environmental

ƒ UHGUHVVLQJRIKLVWRU\LQDFRQVWUXFWLYHPDQQHU

knowledge. The research methodology of oral history,

ƒ bringing together of all relevant role players dealing

recording the built environment through photographs,

with the conservation of the built environment, ru-

and the assimilation and presentation of this knowl-

ral development, heritage practitioners, oral histo-

edge are also key outcomes. Limitations and challeng-

ry researchers, proponents of popular culture and

HVDVZHOODVULVNVDQGRSSRUWXQLWLHVZHUHLGHQWLÀHG

86

PHPRU\ ƒ ODQJXDJH

and included:

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

ƒ partnerships with individuals and communities, oth-

with the outcomes of the HGIS-C Genadendal Restora-

er components within the Department of Cultural

tion Project. The aim, scope and implementation plan

Affairs and Sport and other spheres of government,

of the education project for historic mission settle-

the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAH-

ments in Western Cape were communicated to the

RA), Heritage Western Cape (the provincial heritage

public, conference delegates and the media. Genaden-

resources authority of the Western Cape), the mu-

dal was chosen as the venue for the launch due to its

seum fraternity, notably the Genadendal Mission

KLVWRULFDOVLJQLÀFDQFHDQGWKHIDFWWKDWLWZDVQRWRQO\

Museum and the South African Museums Associa-

WKHÀUVW&KULVWLDQPLVVLRQVHWWOHPHQWLQ6RXWK$IULFD

WLRQ:HVWHUQ&DSH(GXFDWLRQ'HSDUWPHQWDQG

but also the oldest in Africa south of the Sahara.

VFKRROVLQWKHDUHDWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI&DSH7RZQ·V

The project required dedicated staff and services to

Centre for Popular Memory, the Institute for Justice

transcribe, document, catalogue and maintain a per-

and Reconciliation and other non-government

manent database of oral history recordings about mis-

RUJDQLVDWLRQV

sion settlements in general and the built environment

ƒ increased community and public awareness of heriWDJHDQGKHULWDJHUHVRXUFHV

VSHFLÀFDOO\DVZHOODVWRHVWDEOLVKOLQNVEHWZHHQWKH collected data and the curriculum. In order to imple-

ƒ tourism.

ment this project, collaborative work programs or

Prerequisites, assumptions and constraints included:

partnerships were concluded between the following

ƒ SXEOLFFRPPXQLW\DFFHSWDQFHDQGRZQHUVKLS

role players:

ƒ OLPLWHGEXGJHWDQGUHVRXUFHV

ƒ the Museum Service, Heritage Resources Manage-

ƒ current lack of infrastructure, equipment and UHSRVLWRULHV ƒ WLPHIUDPHV ƒ monitoring and evaluation.

ment Services and Heritage Western Cape and Archive Services of the Department of Cultural Affairs DQG6SRUW+HULWDJH:HVWHUQ&DSH ƒ WKH:HVWHUQ&DSH(GXFDWLRQ'HSDUWPHQW ƒ WKH*HQDGHQGDO0LVVLRQ0XVHXP

4

Project implementation and roll-out of plans

ƒ various management structures of other mission settlements in the Western Cape. The Grade 11 learners participating in this project

The launch of the Historic Mission Settlement Educa-

were assisted with the services of a photographer and

tion Project took place during the excursion to Ge-

were issued with voice recording equipment that they

nadendal by delegates of the ICOMOS Shared Built Heri-

XVHGIRUÀHOGUHVHDUFKDQGGDWDFROOHFWLRQ7KHLUUH-

tage Conference on 5 October 2007. The project launch

search and recordings will form part of the assessment

was co-hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs

criteria for the assignment.

and Sport, the Western Cape Education Department and the Genadendal Mission Museum. It was also in line

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

87

Figure 2 The weavery

88

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

5

Regional programs and activities

Preceding this start of the project, the project WHDPLGHQWLÀHGVFKRROVLQDQGFORVHWRPLVVLRQVHWWOHments where both learners and educators could be in-

Educators were trained in order to enable them to

troduced to the concept of conserving the built envi-

teach the outcome of the history: heritage, and more

ronment, oral history, personal history, collecting

VSHFLÀFDOO\WKHUHVHDUFKPHWKRGRORJ\RIRUDOKLVWRU\LQ

historical evidence and ways of developing tangible

the classroom. The Museum Service and other role

manifestations of presenting and disseminating the

players conducted training workshops for educators at

data and material that was collected. The project

Genadendal. These training interventions introduced

WHDPDOVRGHYHORSHGWHDFKHUV·SDFNVDQGJXLGHOLQHVRQ

educators to:

the above-mentioned topics to support and supplement

ƒ UHVHDUFKPHWKRGRORJ\

the formal education system. Staff of the Museum

ƒ ethical and legal frameworks when dealing with oral

Service presented outreach education workshops at

KLVWRU\DQGWKHEXLOWHQYLURQPHQW ƒ KDQGOLQJFROOHFWHGGDWDDQGPDWHULDO ƒ ZD\VRIEULQJLQJKHULWDJHLQWRWKHFODVVURRP ƒ curriculum links and related activities. The Museum Service entered into discussions with the Western Cape Education Department and developed

schools to Grade 11 learners to introduce the concepts of built environment, oral history and local history. The workshops: ƒ introduced learners to oral history methodology and WHDFKWHFKQLTXHVIRUFRQGXFWLQJLQWHUYLHZV ƒ encouraged learners to actively engage with the re-

guidelines for educators and learners to enable them

FRUGLQJDQGSUHVHUYDWLRQRIWKHLURZQKHULWDJH

to utilize historical sites, buildings, the environment

ƒ showed how connections can be made between the

and local museums as an educational resource so that

built environment, social history and personal histo-

they function as extensions of the classroom.

ULHVWKXVHQFRXUDJLQJDVHQVHRIOLYLQJKHULWDJH

Given the rich heritage of the historical mission settlements in the Western Cape, the Museum Service presented educational workshops at designated schools to introduce educators and learners to the methodolo-

ƒ explained guidelines for the conservation of the EXLOWHQYLURQPHQW ƒ explained methods for recording and documenting the built environment in a holistic way.

gy of oral history and recording of the built environ-

It is hoped that these activities will take heritage con-

ment. This project commenced at the beginning of the

VHUYDWLRQEH\RQGWKHXVXDOFRQÀQHVRIJRYHUQPHQWDQG

VFKRRO\HDU7KHSURMHFWZRXOGDOVREHQHÀWRWKHU

JRYHUQPHQWIXQGHGKHULWDJHLQVWLWXWLRQVDQGÀUPO\HV-

mission settlement communities in the Western Cape

tablish it as a school and community activity. The

such as Elim, Mamre, Wupperthal, Goedverwacht, Wit-

Council of Heritage Western Cape welcomed and en-

tewater, Zoar, Amalienstein, Zuurbraak and Pacalts-

dorsed the initiative of the Western Cape Museum

dorp. It would be possible to roll out this project at

Service to launch the Historic Mission Settlements Edu-

these locations.

cation Project, while taking cognisance of the responsi-

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

89

bilities that Heritage Western Cape, the Western

quested the staff members of the Department of Cul-

&DSH·VKHULWDJHUHVRXUFHPDQDJHPHQWDXWKRULW\KDVLQ

tural Affairs and Sport assigned to Heritage Western

terms of section 25(2) of the National Heritage Re-

Cape to assist in the execution of the project.

sources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999). The Council re-

90

Historic Mission Settlement Education Project

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal Leo G.W. Verhoef, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands and Jacques Retieff, H. Fagan Structural Engineers, Cape Town, South Africa

1

Introduction

nance of rural houses in Genadendal and to improve the surrounding landscape.

The historic settlement of Genadendal has been the

7KHFXOWXUDOKLVWRULFVLJQLÀFDQFHRIWKHVHWWOHPHQW

subject of studies and surveys by the University of

ÀJXUH LVH[SODLQHGLQGHWDLOLQRWKHUFRQWULEXWLRQVWR

Cape Town and others for more than twenty years. In

this publication. The technical aspects of restoration of

1998 the Western Cape Cultural Commission (South Af-

*HQDGHQGDO·VUHVLGHQWLDOGZHOOLQJVZHUHWKHLPSRUWDQW

rica), together with Delft University of Technology (the

issues to deal with. The dwellings, dating from the be-

Netherlands), developed an integrated conservation

ginning of the 19th century, were built following a

plan for Genadendal, which went further than just the

unique tradition that made use of extremely fragile

restoration of its historic buildings. The project had

building materials: adobe walls and thatched roofs.

several goals, some related to the urgent need to pro-

The subject of this article is how to maintain and

tect and preserve the historic ensemble of architectur-

upgrade dwellings made of adobe. On a visit to Ge-

al and landscape features, but also to stimulate the de-

nadendal, it becomes clear that all the dwellings are in

velopment of a local economy. To do so would involve

XUJHQWQHHGRIPDLQWHQDQFHÀJXUH $GREHZDOOV

training local people to obtain skills in various jobs and

have to be protected by a layer of plaster. Often the

to encourage tourism.

plaster is missing which will cause major problems over

The Genadendal common cultural heritage project

time. Cracks in the walls, related to the wooden struc-

gained momentum after the decisions by the Dutch

ture of the roof or to a settlement of the foundation,

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education, Culture

can also be seen. The form and position of the cracks

and Sciences to allocate a subsidy of just over one mil-

LQGLFDWHWKHW\SHRISUREOHP$VSHFLÀFLVVXHWKDWKDG

lion euros from the Netherlands Culture Fund to this in-

to be dealt with related to the small size of the dwell-

tegrated plan to strengthen international cultural rela-

ings: there was no place for a bathroom.

tions. Related to this decision, the Western Cape Government decided to give a subsidy of approximately six million Rand, as a matching fund for the mainteThe Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

91

Figure 1 0DSRI*HQDGHQGDOLQGLFDWLQJWKHVLJQLÀFDQWKLVWRULFDOEXLOGLQJVUHGDQGEOXH 

Figure 2 Typical dwelling with adobe walls, suffering from extensive deterioration due to a lack of maintenance.

92

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

Figure 3 Lime plaster and thatched roof

2

Architectural and technical description of the ensemble

ƒ a thatched roof over rounded beams of poplar ZRRGWKHWRSVRIZKLFKZHUHFRYHUHG ƒ DQRYHQDQGFKLPQH\DJDLQVWWKHVLGHDQGJDEOH

The conservation of the architectural ensemble of Ge-

ƒ VZLYHOZLQGRZVZLWKVL[QLQHRUWZHOYHSDQHV

nadendal comprising church, werf and dwellings of the

ƒ stable doors, the top-half was often open for ventiODWLRQDQGWKHERWWRPKDOIFORVHGIRUSURWHFWLRQ

settlement is essential. At the same time there is a need to enlarge and change the structure of the simple

ƒ plastered walls.

historic houses to meet the needs for more modern do-

Sometimes it is necessary to use modern construction

mestic facilities, such as a bathroom. Extension of the

PDWHULDOVLQUHVWRUDWLRQSURMHFWVLQWKDWFDVHLWLVLP-

number of houses within the settlement is also neces-

portant to consider the effect of these materials on

sary to accommodate an increasing number of mem-

the existing fabric. Repairs undertaken with a stronger

bers of the community. Modern building styles and con-

material, but with different characteristics, can cause

struction methods form a potential danger to the

technical problems, or may not be acceptable from an

DXWKHQWLFLW\DQGLQWHJULW\RI*HQDGHQGDO·VDUFKLWHFWXU-

architectural-aesthetical point of view. Furthermore,

al heritage. To preserve the architectural ensemble

cost aspects of certain solutions played a part in the

DQGWRHQVXUHWKDWDQ\FKDQJHVÀWLQWRWKHRULJLQDOIDE-

restoration of Genadendal. On the one hand an effort

ric it is necessary to provide guidelines. These can help

was made to engage as many people as possible in the

the individual house owners and the community as a

project, by offering manual labour jobs instead of

whole with the planning of improvements to their

choosing machines to do the work, but on the other

houses.

hand project money was scarce and value for money

The houses in Genadendal differ in style depending

remained one of the most important issues. The tech-

on the period of their construction, but the main char-

nical aspects related to this type of dwellings can be

acteristics are the same. The walls were made of

divided into three elements: foundation, walls and the

¶EULFNV·FRQVLVWLQJRIDPL[WXUHRIVWUDZDQGFOD\WUDP-

roof.

pled by feet into a homogeneous mixture and put into moulds. After drying in the sun the adobe bricks were

3

The foundation

SXWLQSODFHDQGÀ[HGZLWKDPRUWDURIWKHVDPHW\SH of clay as the bricks. The adobe bricks were covered

Some of the dwellings are located on the slope of the

with a lime plaster, which protected them from the

surrounding hills and some on a fairly horizontal sur-

UDLQÀJXUH $IRXQGDWLRQRIFREEOHVWRQHVZDVSUR-

face. In both cases settlement of the dwellings could

vided underneath the bricks. The cobblestones were

be observed. All the dwellings have a shallow founda-

found in the river or in some quarries in the hills near-

tion and to prevent rising damp in the adobe walls, the

by. In addition to this the houses had:

section in contact with the wet earth is made of cobblestones, which are joined by a lime mortar. To stop

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

93

Figure 4 A deeper level of the bottom of the foundation leads to an increasing length of the shear surface and thus of the bearing capacity.

Figure 5 Extending the foundation base level by underbedding the walls.

Figure 6 Adding concrete beams.

the settlement of the foundation a number of solutions

In the following paragraphs a description of the advan-

were available in theory, such as:

tages and disadvantages of each solution is provided.

ƒ H[WHQGWKHIRXQGDWLRQWRDGHHSHUOHYHO

Some of these have been used elsewhere and in some

ƒ perpendicular concrete beams under the founda-

cases are still in use. The overview shows that better

WLRQSDVVLYHDQGDFWLYHV\VWHP ƒ DFRQFUHWHFRUVHW ƒ FRQFUHWHEHDPDQGÁRRUVWUXFWXUHLQVLGHWKH GZHOOLQJ ƒ a concrete slab inside the dwelling.

94

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

possibilities are available, often with less risk and lower costs.

3.2

Perpendicular concrete beams under the foundation, passive system

This system has often been used and is still in use in *HQDGHQGDOÀJXUH 7RLPSOHPHQWLWSLWVDUHGXJRQ both sides of the wall and a part of the bearing wall has to be removed to create space for the concrete beam to pass through the wall. A mould to pour the concrete with the steel reinforcement bars is made. To speed up this process several pits can be dug at the same time, as long as the pits are not too close to each other. After pouring the concrete the mould can be rePRYHGZLWKLQDIHZGD\VDQGWKHSLWFDQEHÀOOHGXS with earth. As a result the bearing surface has been increased, but in the period in between there is some Figure 7 )ODW-DFNZZZÁDWMDFNVFRXN

uncertainty as the bearing surface decreases and with it also its bearing capacity. After the concrete has set

3.1

Extending the foundation to a lower level

the beams will begin to carry some load, but only after an increase of the settlement of the house. Without

This kind of solution has been used in the past and is

further settlement the concrete beam would just be

an option if the bearing capacity of the soil on a deep-

resting on the surface below. It is a passive system that

HUOHYHOLVVXIÀFLHQWO\JUHDWHUWKDQRQWKHOHYHORIWKH

initiates further settlement before it can be stopped.

ERWWRPRIWKHH[LVWLQJIRXQGDWLRQÀJXUH (YHQLIWKH

This system is still common practice and not only in

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) or hammering test shows

Genadendal. From the description it may be clear that

that the bearing capacity at a deeper level is the

this type of apparently straightforward approach is

same, the bearing capacity will increase due to the in-

best avoided.

creasing length of the shear surface of the foundation ÀJXUH $QLPSRUWDQWFRQGLWLRQLVWKHZD\LQZKLFK WKHZRUNLQJVSDFHGXJQH[WWRWKHZDOOZLOOEHÀOOHG

3.3

Perpendicular concrete beams under the foundation, active system

ZLWKVDQGRUHDUWK7KHLQÀOOKDVWREHZHOOFRPSDFWHG

Basically the procedure is the same as the passive solu-

in layers of not more than 300 mm. The disadvantage

WLRQ7KHRQO\H[FHSWLRQLVWKHXVHRIMDFNVÀJXUH 

of this system is a reduced bearing capacity of the

between the concrete beam and the cobblestone part

foundation during execution, while the system is also

of the foundation. Depending on the circumstances,

quite time-consuming. Even when the labour costs are

ÁDWMDFNVLQÁDWHGZLWKDVKULQNIUHHFHPHQWVOXUU\RU

low, it will still be too expensive to recommend.

screw jacks can be used in an early stage of the work

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

95

Figure 8 Adding a concrete corset

96

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

Figure 9 &RQFUHWHEHDPDQGÁRRU

to transfer part of the load on the existing foundation

3.5

to the concrete beams. However, we have to bear in

Concrete beam and floor structure inside the dwelling

mind that adobe is a relatively weak material which

7KHÁRRUQH[WWRWKHEHDULQJZDOOVLVUHPRYHGLQVLGH

cannot carry larger point loads. In both cases, it has to

WKHGZHOOLQJRQO\WRFUHDWHDVSDFHIRUDEHDPÀJXUH

be considered that the lower part of the wall consists

 7KHÁRRULVQHFHVVDU\WRFDUU\WKHEHQGLQJPR-

of cobblestones (to prevent rising damp to reach the

ments due to the eccentric placement of the bearing

adobe part of the structure) which are joined to each

wall relative to the concrete beam. The advantage of

other with lime mortar – also not a strong material.

this option is that the bottom of the foundation is un-

Due to gravity forces they can easily detach from their

disturbed.

setting and fall down into the pit.

If the soil next to the foundation is too weak, short piles can be used as a solution. In Genadendal a suita-

3.4

Concrete corset

ble foundation level can be found on 1.2-1.5 meter be-

The corset consists of concrete beams on both sides of

low the surface. The short piles can be made of gas

the foundation, which are connected locally to each

pipes with a diameter of 60 mm with a 70 mm diame-

RWKHUWKURXJKWKHIRXQGDWLRQÀJXUH 7KHZRUN

ter disc welded to the bottom. The supports can be

starts with digging a trench on each side of the wall,

hammered in the ground in several places to give a di-

while holes need to be drilled through the wall to con-

rect connection between the concrete slab and the

nect the beams. Reinforcing bars are provided at the

suitable foundation level. The concrete can be mixed

bottom of the beams and through the connecting holes

on site, by volume: (cement) : 2 (sand) : 3 (gravel).

in the wall. The friction between the rough cobble-

Again, reinforcing bars are necessary.

stone wall and the concrete ensures that the wall and beams will act as a foundation system with a wider

3.6

footing.

To prevent further settlement, part of the soil inside

There are disadvantages to this system. The amount

Concrete slab inside the dwelling

the building is removed and replaced with a concrete

of concrete that is necessary is often excessive com-

slab of the same weight, or less, as that of the re-

pared to the volume and structure of such a simple

PRYHGVRLOÀJXUH 2QHKDVWREHDZDUHWKDWWKH

house. Another disadvantage is that, if the trench is

JURXQG¶ZLOOUHPHPEHUWKHSUHYLRXVORDG·EHFDXVHDV

made as deep as the bottom of the existing founda-

a result of the previous weight the ground has been

tion, the bearing capacity during execution will de-

compacted. If the ground is unloaded and then loaded

FUHDVHGXHWRODFNRIVXIÀFLHQWVKHDUVXUIDFHRQWKH

again with the same or a lower weight, no settlement

ground.

ZLOOWDNHSODFHÀJXUH 6LPLODUO\WKHIRXQGDWLRQZLOO not be affected by this system either. The slab is connected to the bearing walls by means of pockets cut into the walls. If the bearing wall is settling more, it

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

97

Figure 10 Adding a concrete slab

settlement

load

Figure 11 Load-settlement relationship

Figure 12 7KHXVHRIDFHUDPLFÁRZHUSRW

will be forced to take the concrete to a deeper level

tively easy to implement because the pockets to be

with it, which can only occur by compressing the soil in

dug out are likely to reach to the level of the adobe

the house and next to the walls. To prevent further

wall or otherwise no deeper than the top level of the

settlement, only a part of the weight of the house has

cobblestones under the adobe wall. It will prevent ver-

to be transferred away from the original foundation, in

tical cracks in the wall after repair. Such cracks occur

our estimate at most 10-20%. This amount has to be di-

in houses built on sloping terrain, where, because of

verted by the concrete slab to the area inside the

the cohesion of the weak top layer some horizontal

house. The load on the ground inside the house (in N/

slide of the foundation can take place that will form

mm²) will be extremely low, due to the large surface

cracks in the walls. The concrete slab on the inside will

of the concrete slab.

keep the walls together and will prevent vertical

The slab system has several advantages. It is rela-

98

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

cracks.

4

The walls

GHQVHZKLFKFRXOGSURYHGLIÀFXOWLIWKHZHDNOD\HULV

4.1

Walls made of adobe

more than 30 cm. In Genadendal a suitable foundation

7KHZDOOVZHUHPDGHRI¶EULFNV·FRQVLVWLQJRIDPL[WXUH

level can be found on 1.2-1.5 m below surface level.

of straw and clay, trampled by feet into a homogene-

The better solution will be to reach this level with a

ous mixture and put into moulds. After drying in the

number of piers made of in situ concrete that should

sun they were stacked in layers on top of each other

be poured at the same time as the new concrete slab.

with a lime plaster facing for protection against the

As an alternative for the concrete piers, supports can

rain. Protection against the rain and other sources of

be made of gas pipes with a diameter of 60 mm with

ZDWHULVHVVHQWLDOÀJXUH 1RUPDOO\FREEOHVWRQHV

70 mm discs welded to the bottom. In several places

or another material, were placed under the adobe to

these supports can be hammered into the ground to

prevent rising damp. However, the mortar bridges be-

achieve a direct connection between the concrete slab

tween the cobblestones can still facilitate the rise of

and the suitable foundation level. This option is ex-

some moisture. Basically it is a localized problem,

tremely cheap. The concrete can be made on site, by

which should be solved locally by inserting a water bar-

volume ratio: 1 (cement) : 2 (sand) : 3 (gravel). Again,

rier (damp course). This can, however, be quite costly.

reinforcing bars are necessary. If no piers or gas pipes

Sometimes it already helps to divert the rain or

are used, then J-shaped reinforcement bars (8 mm di-

groundwater away by using a drain around the house.

ameter) extending into the pockets are essential. Fur-

The plaster on the outside is important to prevent rain

thermore, a reinforcing mesh is required at the bottom

ingress, while a roof overhang prevents ingress into the

of the slab.

topside of the adobe wall. The plaster should be un-

If the soil inside the house is very weak, then there DUHWZRRSWLRQV7KHÀUVWLVWRWU\WRPDNHWKHVRLO

To stop settlement of the building only limited

damaged and if any, it has to be repaired as soon as

strengthening of the foundation, such as with a simple

possible. A check, and where necessary repair, of the

FRQFUHWHVODELVOLNHO\WREHVXIÀFLHQWGXHWRWKHODUJH

plasterwork once a year is necessary, normally after

surface of the concrete slab. Nevertheless, it would be

the rainy season.

advisable to take some further precautions. One possibility is to make the slab thicker in areas close to the IRXQGDWLRQZDOOV$WWKHVHSODFHVFHUDPLFÁRZHUSRWV

4.2

Structural cracks that separate facades and walls

FRXOGEHHPEHGGHGLQWRWKHVODEVÀJXUH ,IVRPH

The reason why structural cracks between facades and

settlement takes place, then a gas pipe can easily be

walls occur, constitutes the real concern. The shape of

KDPPHUHGWKURXJKWKHERWWRPRIWKHFHUDPLFÁRZHU

the crack shows that the tension perpendicular to the

pot to the bearing layer of 1.2-1.5 m below the surface

crack became too high in relation to the straw-

level and be secured to the slab.

strengthened adobe. Most of the time this is related to the foundation: an uneven settlement, which leads to

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

99

Figure 13 This is the right form of protection against rising damp; ingress of rain (the coat is closed) and protection also from above.

Figure 14 Toothing

Figure 15 A corset of chicken wire - the anchors are not in a straight line and can never take up tension forces.

100

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

¶VDJJLQJ·RU¶KRJJLQJ·RUHYHQVOLGLQJFDQFUHDWH FUDFNV1H[WWRWKLVKHDY\WUDIÀFSDVVLQJFORVHE\

4.2.2 Making corset of chicken wire around the building with the addition of metal strip anchors

could deliver dynamic forces, which also exceed the modest strength of the adobe structure. Another rea-

A chicken wire corset around the building can keep the

son could relate to the roof. If the wooden structure of

ZDOOVWRJHWKHUÀJXUH /RFDOO\H[WUDDQFKRUVDUH

the roof becomes wet, it exerts a greater force on the

connected to the two walls. This solution has been

walls. For this reason, the causes behind cracks in ado-

used on several occasions, but it has some disadvan-

EHZDOOVKDYHWREHLGHQWLÀHGDQGVROYHGEHIRUHDQ\

tages. Firstly the plaster, or large parts of it, at the

repairs are made. With a stable situation as a starting

outside of the building has to be taken away, which

point, the cracks have to be sealed in such a way that

means that the bond between plaster and adobe bricks

the walls are connected again to preserve stability.

KDVWREHEURNHQWKLVGDPDJHVWKHDGREH)XUWKHURQ

There are three basic types of connections:

after the repair work, new plaster has to be added.

ƒ ÀOOLQJLQWKHFUDFNHGDUHDZLWKDGREHEULFNVWKXV

&RQQHFWLQJDQFKRUVDUHDOVRTXLWHGLIÀFXOWWRLQVWDOO

IRUPLQJWRRWKLQJ ƒ making a corset of chicken wire around the building ZLWKWKHDGGLWLRQRIPHWDOVWULSDQFKRUV ƒ ÀOOLQJWKHFUDFNVDQGFRQQHFWLQJWKHZDOOVZLWKURG anchors.

Tension on the anchor means that the anchor has to stay in a straight line, otherwise the anchor will deform and will not take any forces. All together, due to the amount of work and the material used, it is an expensive solution.

4.2.1 Filling in the cracked area with adobe bricks thus forming toothing

4.2.3 Filling the cracks and connecting the walls with rod anchors

%DVLFDOO\WRRWKLQJLVDUHDOUHVWRUDWLRQVROXWLRQÀJXUH

The walls have to be connected and the gap between

14). The added material is the same and will work

WKHZDOOVKDVWREHÀOOHGLQ7KHPDWHULDOVKRXOGEH

quite well together with the original. The sizes of the

preferably wet adobe mortar and brought into the gap

adobe bricks have to be determined, and new adobe

with a jointer or pointing-trowel. As the second best it

bricks have to be produced. Locally the plasterwork

FDQEHÀOOHGLQZLWKDZHDNFHPHQWVDQGPRUWDUZKLFK

has to be removed. The next step in the procedure is

FDQEHPRUHÁXLGDOWKRXJKWKHSK\VLFVRIWKHPRUWDU

to cut the wall to form a toothing. The width of the

DQGWKHDGREHGLIIHU$IWHUÀOOLQJWKHJDSKROHVKDYH

gap may require longer new bricks or the thicker head

to be drilled through one wall into the other at a suita-

MRLQWVRQERWKVLGHVRIWKHQHZLQÀOOEULFN7KHODVWVR-

ble angle. The surface of the hole has to be sprayed

lution is easier, because all the bricks will be the same

ZHWDQGÀOOHGZLWKDFHPHQWPRUWDURUPRUHPRGHUQ

as the original ones. The new bricks have to be laid in

products. Finally, the anchor, with a length of about

a wet adobe mortar to close the toothing. After a dry-

one metre plus the thickness of the wall, has to be

ing period for the mortar the plaster can be repaired.

hammered into the holes and after hardening of the

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

101

Figure 17 Collapsed gable wall at Middelhuis on Die Werf, Genadendal, 1999

mortar the slight damage to the plasterwork has to be UHSDLUHGÀJXUH 

5

The roof

5.1

Roof structure

The roof structure is, in terms of most low-rise masonry building constructions, not only important with regards to supporting the covering material, sheeting, Figure 16 Connecting walls with rod anchors 1 Drill a hole of at least 1000 mm in the wall with a downward angle using a 16 mm drill bit. Fill the hole with a duragrout mortar using a funnel. Insert an M8 rod and twist the rod gently down to the base of the hole. After hardening install the 100 x 100 x 5 mm anchor plate and secure with a nut. 2 Fill the crack with a wet adobe mortar, or a sandcement mortar 1 (cement) : 2 (plaster sand) and a little PVA or with a more modern chemical product. 3 Remove a 600 mm wide vertical strip of plaster RQWKHRXWVLGHRIWKHZDOOIURPÁRRUWRFHLOLQJWR expose the adobe brick wall. After connecting the anchor cover the strip with two layers of chicken PHVKIURPÁRRUWRFHLOLQJDQGFRYHULWZLWK plaster.

102

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

tiles or thatch etc., but essential for providing lateral support to walls. This interaction, especially in the FDVHRIWKHFRQÀJXUDWLRQRIZDOOVJDEOHVDQGURRIV common to historical Cape-Dutch architecture, is an essential part of the overall stability. Earlier we mentioned the development of cracks between facades and intersecting walls caused by differential foundation settlements and the cracks that frequently form at the junctions of side walls and gable walls. Such walls are therefore, in situations where negative pressures are generated by wind loading, no longer effectively buttressed by intersecting walls. Under such conditions, connection with the roof structure provides the back-

Figure 18 Roof structure to masonry connections. The diagonal braces were added for the new structures.

Figure 19 7\SLFDOFURVVVHFWLRQDOFRQÀJXUDWLRQRIWUDGLWLRQDO roof construction

up safety mechanism against instability of the walls.

5.2

There was an instance at Genadendal, where a ga-

Traditional roof construction

Traditional roof construction involves principal truss

EOHZDOORI0LGGHOKXLVÀJXUH WRSSOHGDFDWDVWURSK-

structures, made up of rafter-beams, hanebalke and

ic event that could possibly have been avoided had

horizontal ties, with the latter also acting as beams

there simply been adequate connection between ado-

supporting an attic or solderÁRRU7\SLFDOO\WUXVVHV

be masonry and the roof structure as well as with the

are placed alternating with ordinary beams. Horizontal

solderÁRRU

poles or gordings are supported on the trusses and are

The effectiveness of the connections between the

anchored at either end to gable walls with built-in

roof-members and the masonry is therefore very im-

wrought-iron anchors. The rafters are placed over

portant. This is especially so given that a minor local-

these and support the latte that the thatch is tied to.

ized failure can have disproportionate consequences.

7KHUHVXOWLVWKHUHIRUHDIRXUOD\HUHGVWUXFWXUDOFRQÀJ-

As such, account must be taken of the properties of

XUDWLRQÀJXUHV 7KHDYDLODELOLW\RIPDWHULDOV

the soft, fragile adobe material in the design of con-

IRUURRÀQJWLPEHUSRSODU DQGWKDWFKPDGHWKLVIRUP

nections for these conditions and allowance be made

of construction an attractive option and also permitted

for means of dissipating concentrated loads at the

ease of maintenance and repairs.

points of attachment.

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

103

Figure 20 Timber dowel connection of hanebalk’ and rafter beam. ‘Gordings’, rafters and ‘latte’ appear in the background

Figure 21 Example of roof structure to masonry connection at gable ends. A similar principle may be applied for anchoring trusses down to masonry

Figure 22 Beetle damage

Figure 23 Rot occurring at the ends of timber beams built into adobe-like masonry, Franschhoek

104

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

5.3

Structural loading

sonably intact timber members against further damage

Transient loading due to pressures induced by wind

from beetle. The latter option was investigated and

presents a threat to structural elements that are not

proved to be too costly. Therefore, in most instances,

adequately braced. Wind exerts positive and negative

only the latte and thatch were replaced.

or suction pressures on various surfaces of buildings and will, under certain conditions, depending on the

5.5

direction of the wind, generate net uplifting forces on

Some problems developed after the upgrading of the

lightweight roof structures (sheeted roofs). In present

WKDWFKURRIVWKHPRVWVLJQLÀFDQWEHLQJWKHDSSOLFDWLRQ

day construction, galvanized hoop-iron straps are used

RIWKHSODVWHUÁDVKLQJDWJDEOHZDOOV2QRFFDVLRQVWKH

to anchor trusses down to the brickwork of the sup-

ÁDVKLQJVVHSDUDWHGIURPWKHJDEOHVDQGWKDWFKDQGVOLG

SRUWLQJZDOOVWRRYHUFRPHXSOLIWÀJXUH 7KHVWUDSV

down the roof, presenting a threat to the safety of the

are typically built into the brickwork about eight cours-

UHVLGHQWV7KHORVVRIWKHÁDVKLQJDOVRLQWURGXFHGWKH

es below wall plate level. The same principle can be

risk of damage to, amongst other things, the un-plas-

applied for anchoring roofs to adobe masonry but,

tered inner masonry surfaces of the gables due to in-

again, allowance must be made for dissipation of con-

gress of rain.

centrated loads. In the case of traditional thatched

Remedial work

The basis of this failure lay in the consolidation and

roofs, having a 45-degree roof pitch angle as well as a

settlement of the thatch, as well as, in some instances,

reasonable measure of inherent self-weight, uplift is

WKHLQWURGXFWLRQRISODVWLFGDPSSURRIPHPEUDQHVÀJ-

less of a problem but anchoring is still essential, albeit

ures 24, 25). Another contributing factor was the con-

more for considerations of effective bracing

stitution of the mortar, being too brittle as a result of high cement content in the mix as opposed to having

5.4

Damage and deterioration of the roofing fabric and approach to remedial work

EXLOGHU·VOLPHDVWKHSULQFLSDOELQGHU'HWDLOVRIWKHUHPHGLDOVSHFLÀFDWLRQDUHVKRZQLQÀJXUH Another aspect of the work to the roofs at some of

In general, the principal supporting structures, mostly

the Bergstraat houses, in instances where it involved

of untreated timber, rafters, beams, gordings, etc. suf-

replacement of the existing structures, was the inter-

IHUHGVLJQLÀFDQWGDPDJHIURPEHHWOHLQIHVWDWLRQÀJXUH

SUHWDWLRQRIWKHVSHFLÀFDWLRQVDQGGUDZLQJVE\WKH

22), and in instances enough to raise question marks

VPDOOEXLOGLQJFRQWUDFWRUVÀJXUH 7KHUHZHUHVRPH

over structural integrity. Timber members were also

departures from the traditional template, as shown in

affected by rot where their ends were built into the

ÀJXUHEXWWKLVZDVQRWQHFHVVDULO\XQMXVWLÀHG,Q

DGREHPDVRQU\ÀJXUH 

terms of purely structural considerations, it is not an

Re-thatching, in terms of access, offered an ideal

issue on this scale and the re-arranged truss geometry,

opportunity to deal with the above mentioned prob-

intentional or not, does offer a more practical use of

lems, i.e. replacing unsound timbers and treating rea-

the loft or solder space.

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

105

Figure 24 )DLOXUHRIWUDGLWLRQDOJDEOHZDOOVLGHÁDVKLQJV,Qtroduction of a plastic damp proof membrane preYHQWVDQHIIHFWLYHERQGEHWZHHQSODVWHUÁDVKLQJ and thatch substrate.

Figure 25 'HYHORSPHQWRIDFUDFNLQSODVWHUÁDVKLQJDWMXQFtion with gable wall due to settlement of the thatch

106

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

Figure 26 Mesh reinforcing detail for remedial work to failed SODVWHUÁDVKLQJ

cheaper, while the results are more or less the same, and sometimes even better. The materials for strengthening have to be compatible with the original materials. Often we see that cement or concrete blocks are used, because of availability. However, the temperature and moisture movement of these materials are different and will lead to cracks that can cause water to seep into the system. Settlement of the foundation and of the roof has to be prevented, otherwise the vulQHUDEOHDGREHRUWKHÁDVKLQJRQWRSRIWKHWKDWFKHG roof cannot follow this movement, resulting in cracks. Regarding the foundation of dwellings, only one Figure 27 Replacement roof structures on Bergstraat. (The introduction of a few additional trusses would have presented a more realistic span to the ‘latte’. The ‘hanebalke’ are also considerably higher than for WUDGLWLRQDOFRQÀJXUDWLRQ

house in Churchstreet and one building on the Church werf have been reinforced. As common practice, the PHWKRGGHVFULEHGXQGHU¶SHUSHQGLFXODUFRQFUHWH EHDPVXQGHUWKHIRXQGDWLRQSDVVLYHV\VWHP·KDVEHHQ used for these dwellings. In future we strongly recom-

6

Discussion

PHQGDGRSWLQJWKH¶RQO\DFRQFUHWHVODELQVLGHWKH

Probably a majority of buildings in the world are built

GZHOOLQJ·V\VWHP7KLVLVEHFDXVHWKHRULJLQDOIRXQGD-

with adobe as main material. It is less common now,

WLRQZLOOVWD\DVLWLVZKLOHQHYHUWKHOHVVWKHÁRRUV\V-

but quite a number of adobe houses are also found in

tem will provide extra bearing capacity.

European countries. In the 16th century adobe was in-

Cracks in walls can only be repaired if the cause is

troduced in Spain after the voyages of discovery to the

known and properly treated. The shape of the crack in-

Americas. There are also examples in Eastern Europe.

dicates whether the wooden roof structure or the

For instance in Hungary under the name vályog, while

foundation is the reason for the cracks. Treatment with

LQ5RPDQLD·V'DQXEH'HOWDKRXVHVDUHVWLOOEXLOWLQDGR-

a corset of chicken wire around the building with the

EHWRGD\ÀJXUH 

addition of metal strip anchors is common practice, al-

Adobe is a material which is easy to produce and

though this solution usually indicates that little or no

use, but these houses are not easy to maintain. The

attention has been given to the cause. The cause has

problems described in this article have to do with

WREHLGHQWLÀHGÀUVWIRXQGDWLRQSUREOHPRUURRIH[-

moisture, uneven settlement, stability and lack of

tension by ingress of water, or a structurally unsound

maintenance. We discussed a number of options for

roof system causing deformation with horizontal forces

strengthening after failure, stating that some of the so-

on the walls. Once it has been eliminated, one can pro-

lutions are to be preferred over others, as they are

FHHGZLWKÀOOLQJLQWKHFUDFNDUHDZLWKDGREHEULFNV

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

107

Figure 28 Use of Adobe in Romania’s Danube Delta

thus forming a toothing, or ÀOOLQJLQWKHJDSRIWKH

The objective of this article is to provide an over-

cracks, and connecting the walls with rod anchors, as

view of options for improving dwellings made of adobe

the right solutions. The system with rod anchors is now

with thatched roofs. This can be used as a manual for

DVWDQGDUGGHWDLOLQ+HQU\)DJDQ·VRIÀFH:HWUXVWWKDW

strengthening and maintenance of houses built in

in future this kind of system will become common

adobe.

practice.

108

Technical Aspects of Dwellings Made of Adobe in Genadendal

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review Hannetjie du Preez, Western Cape Cultural Commission, South Africa and Job Roos, Delft University of Technology (TUD), the Netherlands

1

Introduction

teams at an early stage of the project, which meet regularly, will be more effective than appointing a

This critical review of the Genadendal Project covers

project manager to coordinate the work of the parties.

the challenges that had to be addressed and solutions that were found. It can be used to assess whether or not the project can be considered a success. However, some of the primary objectives concerned more than

2

Problems in process management which caused delays

just technical achievements. These included the improvement of the socio-economic situation of the local

7KHRYHUDOOFRVWRIWKHSURMHFWLQFUHDVHGVLJQLÀFDQWO\

population, and the strengthening of Dutch-South Afri-

especially on the South African side. This was due to

can relations.

the fact that its implementation took at least twice as

Furthermore, an important intention of the review

long as originally anticipated. A detailed independent

is to assess what could be learned from this common

DXGLWRIWKHÀQDQFLDOH[SHQGLWXUHVDQGRXWFRPHVUHODW-

cultural heritage project. In this paper it will be ar-

ed to implementation will be undertaken at the con-

gued that in the future it will be essential to ensure

clusion of the project.

that all requirements attached to government subsi-

At the start of the project, it was agreed that an

dies, such as the rural housing subsidy utilized for this

extensive planning phase was needed that would take

project, are met in advance. This will improve the as-

up to 50% of the total time allocated to the project. A

sessment of the impact these may have on the progress

serious problem that was experienced during the

and the time frame of the implementation of the

course of the implementation of the project was the

project. Another aspect that has emerged and that

fact that, despite the goodwill, the Genadendal

should be taken into account by national and interna-

Project was not considered a priority. All the following

tional donors is to ensure that enough time is provided

problems could be related to this lack of prioritization.

for community consultation. It is likely that setting up

ƒ 5ROHGHÀQLWLRQ7KHUROHRIWKH:&&&LVSULPDULO\

The Challenge of Genadendal H. du Preez, R. van Oers, J. Roos , L.G.W. Verhoef (eds.) IOS Press, 2009. © 2009 IOS Press and the Authors. All rights reserved.

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

109

that of an advisory body to the Minister, but as the

struction work was done. In this way Casidra lost

partner with DUT, it had to take on the responsibili-

weeks, and sometimes months, before it could con-

ty for the successful execution of the project. ƒ Slow progress in the execution of the renovations of

tinue with the building work. ƒ 8QGHUVWDQGLQJFDVKÁRZUHTXLUHPHQWV&DVLGUDGLG

dwellings by Lanok (later Casidra). There were a

not receive the subsidy prior to the renovations of

number of reasons for this (these are discussed in

the dwellings. This proved to be a serious problem

two papers on the subject in this publication). The

and without the foresight and assistance of the

most important reason was probably the way in

%RDUGRI&DVLGUDZKLFKPDGHEULGJLQJÀQDQFH

which the rural housing subsidy was set up. It has to

available to continue with the project, the imple-

be remembered that the Genadendal Project was

mentation could have been jeopardized altogether.

WKHÀUVWLQZKLFKDKRXVLQJVXEVLG\IRUWKHUHQRYD-

Later on in the project, it was agreed that regular

tion of an existing dwelling could be obtained from

progress claims could be forwarded to the Depart-

any of the housing programmes of the South African

ment of Housing for payment, which resulted in a

government. Until the implementation of the Ge-

marked improvement.

nadendal Project, there had been no experience in

ƒ Lack of basic services infrastructure. Casidra was

using housing subsidies in rural areas for existing

RQO\DEOHWRIXOÀORQHRIWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIWKHUX-

stock. The required process was extremely complex

ral housing subsidy once a new reticulation infra-

and time-consuming. Existing historical houses had

structure was installed in Genadendal and surround-

to be surveyed, as no building plans existed, and

ing villages. This project was only completed

the plans had to indicate structural problems that

towards the end of 2007. It was thus not possible for

ZHUHWREHDGGUHVVHG7KHÀQDQFLDOSRVLWLRQRIHDFK

Casidra to improve all the dwellings in Genadendal

occupier had to be established to ascertain if he or

DWWKHVDPHWLPHDQGEHQHÀWIURPHFRQRPLHVRI

she would indeed qualify for a housing subsidy. Building plans had to be approved by both the local

scale. ƒ The change in project managers. Before the second

municipality and the Department of Local Govern-

project manager was appointed, there was a period

ment and Housing. Prior to awarding the subsidy, all

of several months in which nothing was done. This

the relevant information had to be checked again,

almost resulted in the premature termination of the

as considerable time had elapsed between the pro-

project. It was only when the Chief Director of Cul-

cedures. Sometimes this process took months, or

tural Affairs, nominated by the Minister of Cultural

even years. In the meantime Casidra had to provide

Affairs and Sport, took over the role of project di-

EULGJLQJÀQDQFHIRUEXLOGLQJFRQWUDFWRUVDVWKHDS-

rector that the project was rescued and brought

proved subsidies were pooled and payments were

back on track. Because of her experience and good

GHSHQGHQWRQFHUWLÀFDWLRQE\WKHEXLOGLQJLQVSHF-

relations with the relevant departments, the

tors of the Department of Housing after the con-

project regained momentum.

110

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

ƒ The support received from Theewaterskloof Munici-

nadendal against the Minister of Agriculture and

pality. It is important to note the commitment and

Land Affairs and the Municipality made it impossible

cooperation received towards the end of 2006 from

to execute certain landscaping proposals in the val-

the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager and

ley. Finally, in May 2007, a further storm surge

staff of the Municipality, as well as the staff of the

caused more damage and delays.

Development Bank of South Africa seconded to the Municipality. The Municipality has committed its managers to ensure that Genadendal is included in

3

Success factors of the Genadendal project

the development plan for the region and recognises the economic, social, agricultural and tourism

Possibly the most important success factor was the de-

aspects.

termination of both the Western Cape Cultural Com-

ƒ Lack of commitment from participants. The restat-

mission and Delft University of Technology to complete

ed commitment of various stakeholders and partici-

the Genadendal Project as originally planned, despite

SDQWVDIWHUWKHSURMHFWGLUHFWRUGHYHORSHGWKH¶UHV-

WKHGLIÀFXOWLHVWKDWZHUHHQFRXQWHUHGGXULQJWKHH[H-

FXHSODQ·IRUWKHSURMHFWLQ2FWREHUZDVD

cution of the project. It was important that the project

very positive move indeed. The commitment of the

be concluded, not only to improve the environment of

Municipality was one of the most important factors

the local population, but also for the strengthening of

that led to the agreement of the Dutch Ministry of

Dutch-South African relations – within the range of

Foreign Affairs to extend the timeframe for the

their possibilities, the ministries in Cape Town and The

completion of the project from three years to more

Hague were supportive.

than six years. It was also possible to amend the

Examples of this from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

original target for the renovation of 400 houses to

in The Hague:

100 houses, with an additional cash investment in

ƒ accepting that the committed 6.4 million SA Rands

the project of 2 million SA Rands for landscape-re-

stated in the original business plan could be accept-

lated projects, which would then again meet the

ed as counter-investment to balance the 1 million

original investment target of South Africa of 6.4

(XURVGHVSLWHWKHFKDQJHVLQYDOXHRIWKH5DQG

million SA Rands. ƒ Although not related to process management, fur-

ƒ allowing both partners to adjust the amount per EXGJHWLWHPVXFKDVIRU¶XQIRUHVHHQH[SHQGLWXUH·

ther delays took place due to unforeseen circum-

RU¶UHVWRUDWLRQFRVWIRUWKHPLVVLRQwerf·DFFRUGLQJ

stances. In August 2006 heavy rain led to raging wa-

to the needs, to ensure the success of the project,

ters sweeping down the streams and rivers in the

provided that the total subsidy of one million Euros

Baviaanskloof valley, washing away two important

would not be exceeded.

pedestrian bridges. Furthermore, a High Court ap-

Examples of this from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs

plication by the Transformation Committee of Ge-

and Sport in Cape Town:

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

111

ƒ the personal commitment of the Ministers of Cultur-

ture, landscaping and the cost of project manage-

DO$IIDLUVWRHQVXUHWKHVXFFHVVRIWKHSURMHFW

ment. The reconstruction of the storm water furrow

ƒ supporting the request to the Receiver of Revenue

in Bergstraat addressed the possible adverse impact

in South Africa to claim back the Value-Added Tax

that rising damp and storm water might have had on

on executed work paid for by donor funding from

the renovated houses. A new reticulation system on

the Netherlands.

the historic werf was installed before completion of the landscaping activities. Additionally, a new pe-

4

Preservation and improvement to the historical mission settlement and its cultural landscape

destrian bridge was built across the Kat River to restore this important access route through the valley IRUSHRSOHOLYLQJLQWKHZHVWHUQSDUWRIWKHYLOODJH ƒ Based on a 1799 plan of the werf, a pathway was reintroduced between the oak avenue on the werf

Successful outcomes related to the preservation and

with a reconceptualization of the circulation route

improvement of this historically important mission set-

and public space between the old Printing Works

tlement situated in a valuable cultural landscape are

and the Mission Shop. The budget under the HGIS-C

summarized below. As part of the South African contri-

IXQGLQJZDVQRWVXIÀFLHQWWRFRYHUWKHFRVWRIWKLV

bution:

landscaping, so additional funds from South Africa

ƒ an extensive survey and Conservation Plan was

were made available to complete this.

compiled as the basis for the project. Conservation

A number of factors prevented the reconstruction of

Guidelines were produced to provide guidance for

the pedestrian bridge across the Baviaans River that

the residents of Genadendal and its outstations

ZDVZDVKHGDZD\GXULQJWKHÁRRGLQ7KHUHFRQ-

when renovating their historical dwellings.

struction of this vital link between the eastern section

ƒ One hundred dwellings were renovated and their

RIWKHYLOODJH9RONVZHJ DFURVVWKHYDOOH\ÁRRUWRWKH

structural defects repaired through the utilization

intersection of Kloof- and Bergstraat on the western

of the rural housing subsidy scheme. The total cost

side should be explored, despite the challenges it cur-

was about four million SA Rands. A number of these

rently holds. The river can now only be crossed in sum-

houses that formed part of ensembles or street-

mer, when the water level is low, and this is still dan-

scapes were selected for full restoration, with top-

gerous. The success of the design of the new

up funding made available from the Dutch HGIS-C

pedestrian bridge across the Kat River, based on histor-

fund. Many of these houses were given new

ic bridge designs in Genadendal, should guide this im-

thatched roofs, in addition to other essential resto-

portant outstanding infrastructure investment. Not

ration work.

RQO\ZRXOGLWEHQHÀWWKHUHVLGHQWVE\SURYLGLQJD

ƒ Additionally, approximately three million SA Rands was invested by WCCC in the provision of infrastruc-

112

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

shorter walk, but it would provide a circular route for visitors to discover and enjoy Genadendal as an inte-

grated cultural landscape with mission werf, street-

6

Conclusion

scapes and their traditional vernacular architecture and the agricultural valley. As part of the Dutch contribution: ƒ The following buildings were restored and renovat-

¶7KHVXFFHVVRIWKHUHVWRUDWLRQRIUHVLGHQWLDOKRXVHV>LQ WKH1HWKHUODQGVGXULQJWKHVDQGV@LVQHLWKHU contained in the number of realised projects, nor in

ed on the werf:

WKHPHWKRGRORJLHVRIUHVWRUDWLRQ>«@EXWLQWKHUHDOL-

‚

WKHH[WHULRURIWKHFKXUFKDQGFKXUFKWRZHU

VDWLRQRISUHIRUPXODWHGDLPV·1

‚

WKHFKXUFKRIÀFHV

The initial project proposal included three objectives:

‚

WKHVHFRQGSDUVRQDJH

1. preservation and improvement of an historical set-

‚

+DOOEHFN+RXVH

‚

WKH:HGHU+RXVH*XHVW+RXVH

‚

WKH0LGGHOKXLV

‚

WKH3ULQWLQJ:RUNV

‚

four houses on Church Street.

ƒ Thirty houses on Bergstraat, Kloofstraat and

WOHPHQWVLWXDWHGLQDYDOXDEOHFXOWXUDOODQGVFDSH 2. creation of economical prospects for the local FRPPXQLW\ 3. strengthening and exchange of knowledge concerning small-scale rehabilitation of towns and settlements in multicultural societies.

9RONVZHJZHUHUHVWRUHGDOORIWKHPEHQHÀWLQJIURP

As only one-fourth of the original number of residential

both the rural housing subsidy and the top-up fund-

dwellings have been restored and upgraded, i.e. 100

ing from the HGIS-C fund.

out of a target of 400, the social and visual impact has,

ƒ A symposium was held at DUT to discuss the project and disseminate the lessons learned.

XQIRUWXQDWHO\GHFUHDVHGVLJQLÀFDQWO\$WWKHVDPH time, the overall effort has regenerated local, regional and national interest in the modest vernacular archi-

5

Project Objectives and Outcomes

tectural heritage of Genadendal. In addition to the restoration of the church werf, the attention paid to the wider settlement has improved the outlook and well-

Success factors related to the creation of economic

being of the residents. Inspired by the project, several

prospects for the local community included the prepa-

owners have renovated their homes at their own initia-

ration of infrastructure to support small business de-

tive and this will hopefully be sustained in the longer

velopment. Examples of this include a range of accom-

term, with the use of the Conservation Guidelines that

modation facilities for visitors, training in tourist

have been prepared for this.

guiding for ecotourism and cultural tourism, and the

Furthermore, it is important to point out that the

training of local craftspeople in the building trades,

South African in-kind investment in Genadendal, mainly

such as thatching.

in the form of new infrastructure (which will not fea-

How the further objectives of the project have been met has been summarized in table 1.

WXUHLQDQDXGLW LVVLJQLÀFDQWDQGWRWDOVPRUHWKDQ million SA Rands (3,564,000 Euros) over the last eight

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

113

Table 1

Business Plan Objectives and Achievements of the Genadendal Project 2002-2008

OBJECTIVE

OUTCOME/ACHIEVEMENT ‚

A Maintenance Manual was developed to ensure continued guidance on maintenance at the conclusion of the project.

‚

Existing infrastructure was repaired and new infrastructure provided.

2 Improve future prospects for resi- ‚ dents and traditional craftspeople through small-scale businesses focusing on cultural tourism and ecotourism

Access facilitated for local entrepreneurs and businesses to Red Door Small Business Centre (Overberg Region) of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

‚

/RFDOVWDNHKROGHUVPXQLFLSDORIÀFLDOVLQVWLWXWLRQVLQGLYLGXDOV LQvolved in project planning and execution through representation on Local Project Committee and Project Tender Committee, and interacWLRQVZLWKSURMHFWWHDPDQG*RYHUQPHQWRIÀFLDOV

‚

Casidra provided life skills training to Genadendal residents as part of the project implementation.

‚

Local stakeholders interacted with facilitators, including South African and Dutch academic institutions, on issues related to social regeneration.

ƒ Repair of commercial structures

‚

A Business Plan for the werf was developed, recommending expansion RIFXOWXUDOWRXULVPDQGUHODWHGEXVLQHVVWRWKHEHQHÀWRIORFDO residents.

ƒ Repair of the cultural landscape

‚

The cultural landscape was analyzed despite the impact of two seriRXVÁRRGVDQGWKHODQGGHYHORSPHQWGLVSXWHVWKDWOLPLWHGWKHH[WHQW of the repairs that could be undertaken during the project period. Future agricultural activities and the land transformation program will in DOOSUREDELOLW\IXUWKHULQÁXHQFHWKHDJULFXOWXUDOODQGVFDSHRI Genadendal.

ƒ Use of traditional trades as thatching, plastering, etc.

‚

Training of local tradesmen with traditional skills and utilization of those in the project, e.g. thatching.

ƒ Training in business skills and job creation

‚

Training of eight local residents in contract management and business plan development. Some of the individuals trained in thatching have set up their own business and are currently working in the region.

ƒ Development of historic trades, e.g. forging, to make replicas of the Hernnhutter knifes

‚

At the initiative of the Genadendal Mission Museum a commercial blacksmith has established his business on the werf.

‚

As an accredited trainer, he has employed a Genadendal resident as an apprentice.

ƒ Development of open-air recreation facilities, e.g. mountain bike trail and hiking trails

‚

The mountain bike and hiking trails are operational. The commercial options to provide services to users of these recreational facilities need further exploration.

‚

Five local residents were trained as ecotour guides for Genadendal and environs.

1 Restoration and technical repair of historic structures and landscape elements

3 Enhance knowledge, insight and skills for middle management in restoring the town 4 Facilitate income generation for: ƒ Social regeneration and training in life skills

114

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

OBJECTIVE

OUTCOME/ACHIEVEMENT

ƒ Development of a camping site ‚ and sanitary facilities

While planned for, the development had to be shelved due to the GDPDJHDORQJWKHULYHUEDQNFDXVHGE\WKHWZRÁRRGVLQDQG 2007 respectively.

ƒ Further development of the Tourism Information Centre with provision of Internet facilities and development of website with provision of resources

‚

A computer in the Tourism Information Centre provides Internet faciliWLHVIRUWRXULVWVWKHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHIRUFRPPHUFLDO,QWHUQHWDFFHVVLV being developed.

‚

A Western Cape Mission Tourism Route was established.

‚

Overberg Tourism has facilitated access to their website for Genadendal with tourism products of the region highlighted.

‚

Five ecotourism guides were trained and four more tour guides will be trained in October 2008.

5 Finalization of a conservation and ‚ development plan for Genadendal

The Conservation Use Plan and Conservation Guidelines have been produced and distributed to stakeholders.

‚

The Conservation Use Plan informs the review of the spatial development framework or zoning scheme, as well as Integrated Development Plan for Genadendal that must be developed annually by the Theewaterskloof Municipality.

‚

Theewaterskloof Municipality should discuss the demarcation of proposed conservation areas in Genadendal with Heritage Western Cape.

6 Improvement of living standards and environment

‚

Living standards for at least 100 families have improved through the repair or restoration of their dwellings, while upgrading of the enviURQPHQWKDVEHQHÀWHGWKHZKROHFRPPXQLW\

7 Training for local craftspeople

‚

Training was provided for nine local residents in tourism guiding and for eight trainee craftspeople (thatchers) during the implementation of the project.

8 Increase in employment opportunities in small business and cultural tourism

‚

New permanent and temporary employment opportunities have been created in construction, traditional crafts, as well as in hospitality.

‚

Further development in cultural and ecotourism would increase income generation for local residents.

9 Improvement of the execution of traditional building trades

‚

Through supervision and training of craftspeople during the construction phase, the quality of traditional building trades utilized during the project improved.

10 Practical experience in the imple- ‚ mentation of long-term town regeneration projects

Valuable practical experience was gained during the project implementation, to ensure a coordinated approach to the renewal of the historic fabric of the village.

‚

([SHULHQFHVFRXOGLQÁXHQFHIXWXUHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHDQGKRXVLQJLPprovement projects in Voorstekraal, Bereaville and Boschmanskloof and other mission settlements in South Africa.

‚

A number of existing buildings on the werf have been converted, including the Weder House Guest House, and a variety of guest accommodation is now available on the werf, ranging from luxury en-suite IDFLOLWLHVWREDFNSDFNHUVW\OHDFFRPPRGDWLRQWRXULVWVFDQDOVRVWD\ with villagers.

11 Conversion of existing buildings for long-term, income generating functions (e.g. guesthouses, tourism centre, backpackers etc.)

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

115

OBJECTIVE

OUTCOME/ACHIEVEMENT

12 Marketing of cultural tourism to ‚ increase the number of visitors to Genadendal

A coordinated marketing strategy based on the cultural and historical VLJQLÀFDQFHRI*HQDGHQGDOZDVGHYHORSHGE\WKHVWDNHKROGHUV*Hnadendal Tourism, Overberg Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Theewaterskloof Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, the Genadendal Mission Museum, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport).

years.2 As such, it seems fair to state that a real contri-

pride and self-esteem, have probably been more im-

EXWLRQWR*HQDGHQGDO·VSUHVHUYDWLRQDQGLPSURYHPHQW

portant than the technical results of the building pro-

has been made.

JUDPPH$GGLWLRQDOO\WKHSURMHFWKDVLGHQWLÀHGDQG

As regards the creation of economical prospects for

ÀHOGWHVWHGPHFKDQLVPVIRUKHULWDJHFRQVHUYDWLRQ

the local community, these have not yet been consoli-

some of them innovative and never used before (such

dated in the form of many permanent jobs for resi-

as the South African rural housing subsidies).

dents. However, a group of young members of the

In the conceptualization of the project, a strong ar-

community has started a thatching business, which op-

JXPHQWIRULWVMXVWLÀFDWLRQDQGVXEVHTXHQWDSSURYDO 

erates in the region. On the werf some traditional

LQYROYHGWKHQHFHVVLW\WRPRYHEH\RQGLGHQWLÀFDWLRQ

craftspeople have set up shop, a wider variety of ac-

and valuation exercises that were the norm in mutual

commodation is currently available and operational,

and other heritage projects over the last decade.

DQGLQWKHORFDOUHVWDXUDQWPDGHDSURÀWIRUWKH

There have been many surveys and cultural-historical

ÀUVWWLPHLQLWVKLVWRU\DSRUWLRQRIZKLFKZDVGRQDWHG

analyses, but few have been translated into a technical

to the local Moravian congregation). Thus, an encour-

plan of operation (other than a few restorations of

aging start has been made and if the momentum is

monuments) – there was a need to move from theory

maintained, a broader base for heritage and ecotour-

to practice.

ism could slowly be built, which would eventually lead

The results in terms of strengthening and exchange

WRDVLJQLÀFDQWLQFUHDVHLQMREVDQGUHYHQXHV)RUWKLV

of knowledge concerning planning and design for the

to happen, however, support from the local, regional

rehabilitation of towns and settlements in multicultural

and provincial government structures for Genadendal

VRFLHWLHVKDYHEHHQVLJQLÀFDQWDQGWKLVWKLUGDVSHFWLV

should be sustained.

arguably the most valuable. The strengths (e.g. similar-

With respect to the third objective, the Genadendal

ities in local planning traditions and professional back-

Project arguably constituted one of the few compre-

grounds in South Africa and the Netherlands, which fa-

hensive attempts to set-up an approach between two

cilitated communication between specialists) and

countries, based on an ambitious vision and with in-

weaknesses (e.g. the changing institutional context in

volvement of a large constituency, including the local

South Africa, and the large number of participants and

community. The social results, in terms of improve-

decision makers, which necessitated an excessive

ment of living conditions and upgrading of community

amount of time for consultations and coordination –

116

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

staggering if translated in monetary terms) that have

Notes

surfaced during the implementation process will pave

1

Van Voorden, F.W., Het einde van de restauratie-koorts,

the way for an improved type of integrated conserva-

Delft University Press 1988, p. 29 – inaugural speech at the

tion projects in the near future.

acceptance of his appointment as Professor of Restoration

Plans and budgets have since been earmarked for Genadendal (which was not the case before). Further-

at Delft University in 1987. 2

An average exchange rate of R 9.26 to the Euro has been

more, other Moravian settlements such as Mamre and

calculated for a realistic comparison of the value of the

Elim have now indicated an interest to implement a

Euro and the Rand over the time span of the project.

similar project. This should indeed be seen as a major success of the Genadendal Project and an opportunity not to be missed to keep the momentum up and spread it.

Integrated Conservation of Genadendal – A Critical Review

117

®MIT Research Centre ®MIT is an international research centre associated with the department of the same name in the Faculty of Architecture of Delft University of Technology. The centre aims to promote multidisciplinary research, prodXFWGHYHORSPHQWDQGNQRZOHGJHWUDQVIHULQWKHÀHOGVRIWKHPRGLÀFDWLRQ intervention and transformation of the built environment. ®MIT aims to support innovation in education and research by improving the links between academia and the profession. The research undertaken by the centre forms part of the current research portfolio of the Chair of Restoration and is closely linked to it. ®MIT is a proactive link between Delft University of Technology and the world beyond the university. It demonstrates the social relevance of the university and is guided by current developments. ®MIT enables Delft University of Technology to apply its expertise in the public interest and responds to the demand from society.

118