TheJohannesburg Heritage Foundation[1] (JHF) is an activist, conservation and education organization that aims to conserve the built heritage ofJohannesburg, South Africa, while informing residents about the city's "precious, non-renewable, finite and irreplaceable"[1] heritage resources.
Since the discovery of gold, in 1886, and the establishment of the first hotel atFerreirasdorp, the city's infrastructure has benefited from investments associated with themining industry. Underapartheid, aided by cheap labour,[2] Johannesburg became the city of gold, a regional powerhouse and experienced enormous economic and spatial growth. Post-democracy corruption has meant that many parts of the greater metropolis have been neglected and lost their shine.[3] Foundation members are committed to the whole city, providing a balanced representation of the city's heritage, raising awareness of architecture and buildings and commemorating a diverse culture with blue plaques.[4] The foundation has had a significant impact, and has earned its reputation as a defender to the city's diverse heritage and cultural public infrastructure, such as theJohannesburg City Library.[5]
The foundation offers access to many heritage resources, through tours, research and education. Its focus is on retaining Johannesburg's existing cultural heritage for generations to come.[6] It grew from the Parktown & Westcliff Heritage Trust,[7] an organization that wished to support the heritage ofParktown Mansions and other suburbs. The foundation recognized that heritage extended beyond theRandlords mansions could be found across the greater metropolis.[7]
The City of Johannesburg, Department of Arts, Culture and Joburg Heritage Foundation collaborate on placing a round plaques[8] in publicly visible locations.[9] Theseblue plaques might commemorate a famous person or event, while raising public awareness about heritage, foster citizen pride. The plaques are installed in publicly visible locations and are intended to protect and preserve historical landmarks.[10]
JHF's Book collection drives are run to raise funds for the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. The JHF Heritage Weekend Map and Book Sale is often held at grand houses[11] or heritage buildings.[12] The sale is an important fundraiser for the JHF. The 2025 Sale will be held at the Sisonke Hall atHoly Family College on the 13 and 14 September.
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