Heritage Archives - Relocation Africa

Tag Archive for: Heritage

Heritage Day Check-in at the Relocation Africa Head Office

As the 24th of September marked another Heritage Day in South Africa – a day to remember our history and celebrate our cultures – we decided to use one of our Wacky Wednesday check-ins to bring items and stories to our head office, so that our team members could learn about each other’s heritage.

Our Head Office team has come to expect the unexpected during our Wacky Wednesday Check-ins and last week was no different. Keeping Heritage Day in mind, Joy, from our HR Department set the scene for a celebration and sharing of the diverse culture in our team.

We were all encouraged to participate in a “show and tell” story explaining the significance of the particular item we brought to the table or what we decided to wear. Have a look at our “show and tell” photos and see if you can guess which cultures are being represented on our team.

: Marlyse Wood: “My item was impossible to be brought to the office. Here is a picture of a tradition within our family which I plan to pass on to my children. This is a special gift given to my mom on her 21st birthday from her parents. It means so much to me to know that my mom entrusted me to keep it safe in my home. It’s a Vintage Imbuia ball and claw kist (chest) with brass fittings. As of today, this kist is 66 years old, and I use it to store sentimental items. Us being a “coloured” family, each heritage day we get together and prepare a “Potjie” which can be made from chicken curry or oxtail. I’m willing to share the recipe for the oxtail. Also as a side dish for the braai meats, a potato bake recipe”.

: Our team’s heritage items that they brought to the office for our check-in. Pictured are Pumza’s Xhosa necklace and pipe, Lucy’s crown, Quintin’s family crest, Joy’s Scottish family coaster and Liverpool scarf, and Eloise’s Die Groot Trek bracelet.

: Our team celebrating Heritage Day at the office.

: Immigration Lead Lynn Mackenzie’s relative made a mural for her representing the day her father met former South African President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

: Team member Pumza dressed up in traditional Xhosa clothes and makeup.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

South Africa

Developer of 18-Storey Building in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town Pleased with SCA Ruling

The developer of a controversial 18-storey building in Bo-Kaap is pleased with the outcome of a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) case.

This after the court dismissed the Bo-Kaap Ratepayers and Civic Association’s application against the Western Cape High Court’s decision to approve construction of a R1billion high-rise building in the area.

Vantage Properties Managing Director José Rodrigues said: “This ruling vindicated the due process we followed throughout the application. Furthermore, we do not believe there was ever a basis for this litigation.”

In a lengthy judgment delivered on Tuesday, the SCA said it had been unable to find any irregularities in the city council’s decision-making process.

Judge Mahomed Navsa said: “The court held that the City and the mayor had arrived at the decisions in a balanced fashion, that they did not act unreasonably or irrationally. The mayor and the City did not commit an error of law and they did not ultimately hold a rigid view that base zoning rights trumped all countervailing considerations.”

Rodrigues said his company had always considered the heritage of Bo-Kaap during the process and it was aware of the impact the development would have.

“We respect the heritage of the Bo-Kaap and strong sense of community, but are also aware that the noise generated around this development was not so much about the Bo-Kaap community’s antagonism, but rather that of immediate neighbours who are concerned their views will be impacted,” he said.

The development would comprise flats, retail and office space and 310 basement parking bays.

The association’s secretary, Jacky Poking, said: “We are in discussion with our legal team about the decision and what our options are.

“We are still processing the decision. We are concerned about the impact on our living heritage and the erosion of our way of life due to gentrification.”

Marian Nieuwoudt, Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, said: “The City notes the outcome. We are still studying the judgment and have no further comment.”

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Nigel Burgher [1], [2].