Notice No. 120

13 February 2009

South African Heritage Resources Agency

Department of Arts and Culture

By virtue of the powers vested in the South African Heritage Resources Agency in terms of section 27 (5) of the National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of 1999 (the act), SAHRA hereby declares a PORTION OF THE CAPE WINELANDS CULTURAL LANDSCAPE, identified as BOSCHENDAL FOUNDERS ESTATE, DWARSRIVIER VALLEY, STELLENBOSCH IN THE BOLAND REGION, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, A NATlONAL HERITAGE SITE.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The CWCL is significant because of its idyllic setting, rich history associated with living heritage and a distinctive cultural and natural environment with unique planned landscapes boasting an architectural and aesthetic form unique to South Africa. To the naked eye, it appears as an open-air museum. Exhibiting magnificent cultural treasures ranging from the historic monuments, small towns and villages with a rich Cape vernacular architectural tradition, to routes of high scenic value 'dotted' with low hills and valleys. The Boschendal Founders Estate, Dwarsrivier Valley, Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape is a product of the interaction between the natural landscape of great scenic beauty, the tireless labour of a slave population, biodiversity and human activities and responses over a long period which have created features and settlement patterns that are equally celebrated for their beauty, richness and diversity. The Dwarsriver Valley, more than any of the other CWCL landscapes is a showcase of the genius of the slave infused society of the Cape, with the majority of the slave descendents, still working the soil.This cultural landscape encompasses a great variety of significant heritage resources, developed out of the interaction between peoples of many cultures with each other and with the place. The Cape Winelands has played an important role in the cultural development, economy and evolution of the local community and the nation, and is of local, provincial, national and international significance. At an international level, the CWCL is a physical manifestation that reflects the achievements of both slaves and their masters.

DESCRIPTION

The following properties are included in the protected area: