AfriForum appeals against approval for demolition of Saldanha’s “Vingerhoedhuisie”

AfriForum has just filed a written appeal against Heritage Western Cape’s approval for the demolition of a building in Saldanha known as “Die Vingerhoedhuisie” (Little Thimble House). The approval for the demolition of this building was issued in response to a developer’s application to the heritage institution.

Members of AfriForum are opposed to the demolition of this beloved landmark in Saldanha and have also expressed concerns about the intended future use of the land on which it is located. It is alleged that the developer intends to build apartments there, but the nature of infrastructure in the area may compromise the feasibility of such plans. Residents have already mentioned their concerns in this regard to the municipal authorities.

According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, the organisation’s appeal is based on the facts that

• As the name suggests, “Die Vingerhoedhuisie” has been a unique and beloved feature of the townscape of Saldanha since its initial construction in 1917/1918;
• There is no indication of structural changes to the interior or exterior of the building;
• Saldanha does not have a large variety of historical buildings, especially not ones dating back as far as 1917, and therefore it will not be in the interest of the cultural-historical heritage of Saldanha to demolish it;
• If properly preserved, it will be a valuable addition to the tourism attractions of the region;
• There is an offer for this building to be used for educational purposes – plans that will benefit the area’s youth, without compromising the building’s integrity or origin;
• It is connected to some of the most colourful residents of this region, including James and Marie Walker, Marion and Alexander (Sandy) Duncan, the Tolkens, Sadies, Appies and Binnemans;
• It has been used for many different business purposes over the years, varying from a dairy to a barbershop, and later even a giftshop. It is therefore a standing monument to the entrepreneurship of the residents of this region and the economic development of Saldanha over the years.

AfriForum hopes that the unique building can be saved after all. “South Africa has an increasingly bad reputation when it comes to the preservation of the country’s architectural heritage. Not only buildings that are representative of a particular architectural style deserves to be preserved, but also unique structures such as this one that speak of the creativity of a regions’ inhabitants and their rich cultural history,” Bailey adds.

An Afrikaans article about the house can be found here.