Swellendam Heritage Association

Swellendam Heritage Association Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Swellendam Heritage Association, Community Organization, Swellendam.

The Swellendam Heritage Association, is based in Swellendam, South Africa and affiliated to Heritage South Africa which was established in 1959 and is currently the largest and oldest non-governmental (NGO) organisation involved in heritage conservation.

If you love architecture, heritage and the slow life, then do not miss out on this wonderful talk this Thursday afternoo...
15/06/2026

If you love architecture, heritage and the slow life, then do not miss out on this wonderful talk this Thursday afternoon!
Time: 14:30 - 15:00

Friends of the Drostdy Museum
08/06/2026

Friends of the Drostdy Museum

The Swellendam Heritage Association AGM, held on 21 May 2026, was a great success and very well attended. It was wonderf...
01/06/2026

The Swellendam Heritage Association AGM, held on 21 May 2026, was a great success and very well attended. It was wonderful to see so many members and supporters gathering to celebrate another year of preserving and promoting our rich heritage.

A special congratulations to all our Merit Award winners. Your dedication and contribution to heritage conservation in our community are truly appreciated and deserving of recognition.

One of the highlights of the evening was the launch of our newest publication, A Historical Timeline of Swellendam 1488–1961. This fascinating book provides a chronological record of the people, events, and milestones that have shaped our town over the centuries, and we are excited to share it with the community. It is currently available at Bokmakiri Books.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors. Your support helps make our events, publications, and heritage initiatives possible.

If you have not yet applied to become a member of the Swellendam Heritage Association, it is never too late to join. Annual membership is only R180, and every cent goes directly towards heritage projects, conservation efforts, publications, and educational talks that help preserve and celebrate the unique heritage of Swellendam.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the AGM such a memorable and successful occasion.

Join us for the June Swellendam Heritage Association (SHA) talk!📅 Thursday, 18 June🕝 14:30 for 15:00 (see that it is not...
01/06/2026

Join us for the June Swellendam Heritage Association (SHA) talk!

📅 Thursday, 18 June
🕝 14:30 for 15:00 (see that it is not our usual time)
📍 The Drostdy Schuur

Dr Derick De Bruyn will present "Ethical Aesthetics: Event Architecture in a South African Village Garden", exploring how thoughtful design helps sustain the living heritage of an agro-ecological site in McGregor.

Dr De Bruyn is a retired academic and architect whose work focuses on interpreting Karoo architecture. He recently presented this paper at a conference in Naples and will now share it with us in Swellendam.

🎟 R100 for members | R130 for guests
🍷 Snacks, wine and juice included after the talk.

RSVP by 16 June: [email protected] or [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

The past few days have shown just how strong and resilient the Swellendam community truly is. Our hearts go out to every...
19/05/2026

The past few days have shown just how strong and resilient the Swellendam community truly is. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating storm, floods and winds across our town and surrounding areas.

We are also heartbroken by the loss of so many beautiful old historic trees that have stood for generations and formed such a special part of our town’s character and history.

A special thank you to the municipality, emergency services and all the workers who have worked around the clock clearing roads, restoring electricity and helping our community get back on its feet.

It is also a great reminder of how dangerous this work can be. Two men were seriously injured in an accident while working from a crane on Sunday. We are incredibly relieved that they are alive, stable and receiving care in hospital.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and every person working tirelessly to keep our community safe.

Good day Heritage Friends,A reminder that this year’s SHA AGM will take place at the Drostdy Schuur at 18h00 for 18h30 o...
19/05/2026

Good day Heritage Friends,

A reminder that this year’s SHA AGM will take place at the Drostdy Schuur at 18h00 for 18h30 on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

Please RSVP by Tuesday evening, 19 May, as we need confirmed numbers for quorum, catering and seating arrangements.

Even if the AGM is inquorate, the book launch of A Historical Timeline of Swellendam 1488–1961 and the annual award presentations will still proceed.

Books will be available on the evening at a special launch price of R320. Card facilities will be available.

There will be the traditional selection of soups & refreshments (and a bread table to go with the soup) after the AGM, which your committee promises to keep very short and sweet.

Please RSVP to: [email protected]

As we are already into the new financial year beginning 1 April 2026, we kindly ask members to pay the annual membership fee of R180 per person for the 2026/2027 financial year. Thank you to those who have already done so.

Banking details:

ABSA Bank
Swellendam Heritage Association
Branch Code: 632005
Current Account: 4109252114

Please use your surname as reference.

As soon as the audited accounts are received, they will be distributed to members.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The recent ABF talk held at the Schuur was both engaging and highly informative. Chairman of the South African Heraldry ...
06/05/2026

The recent ABF talk held at the Schuur was both engaging and highly informative. Chairman of the South African Heraldry Council, Emile Coetzee, together with State Herald Themba Mabaso, shared fascinating insights into their work and the role of heraldry in South Africa.

The discussion explored how heraldry, originally a medieval European concept, has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect an African context and identity. It offered a unique perspective on history, symbolism, and cultural expression.

The evening was a great success, with members and guests enjoying a truly interesting and enriching presentation.

Tokkie (John) Matthysen, the last of the street band foursome, is a true piece of Swellendam history. At 81 years old, J...
06/05/2026

Tokkie (John) Matthysen, the last of the street band foursome, is a true piece of Swellendam history.

At 81 years old, John Matthysen, affectionately known as Tokkie, is part of a well known Swellendam family. He grew up in Lemmetjiesdorp and is related to Julian and Henri Matthysen.

For many years, this band filled the streets of Swellendam with music. Their sound became part of everyday life, something you could hear as you moved through town, adding warmth and character wherever they played. They brought a special kind of atmosphere that locals and visitors will remember fondly. They are a meaningful part of our heritage, and we cannot thank them enough for the joy and ambience they created. Real people and real culture.

In 1999, John was involved in a serious car accident that left him with a broken neck and paralysis. Through his faith, he found healing and discovered an extraordinary gift for music. With no formal training, he taught himself to play the saxophone and never looked back. The saxophone he plays today was a gift from his daughter.

Over the years, Tokkie played alongside several musicians, though many have since passed on. The original street band included Willem Jacobs on accordion, Jollie Manneville on banjo, and Ben Toerien on guitar, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 89.

They were also known as The Golden Stars Band, led by Jan Christiaans, who passed away in 2024 after a stroke.

Today, Tokkie is the last remaining member of this remarkable group of street musicians, the last man standing of the Swellengrebel Street performers.

Keep an eye out for more photo's and video's that we will share as time goes.

TALK ON HERALDRY IN SOUTH AFRICAJoin us for an engaging evening exploring the history and significance of heraldry in So...
22/04/2026

TALK ON HERALDRY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Join us for an engaging evening exploring the history and significance of heraldry in South Africa, presented by Emile Coetzee, Chairman of the South African Heraldry Advisory Council, and Themba Mabaso, State Herald.

Event Details:

What:
A talk on Heraldry in South Africa

Where:
The Drostdy Schuur

When:
Wednesday, 29 April
18h00 for 18h30

Cost:
R100 for members
R130 for guests (all are welcome)
Payment can be made in advance via EFT:
ABSA Account No: 4109252114
(Please use your surname as reference)

Snacks:
Light snacks, wine or juice will be served after the event and are included in the entrance fee.

RSVP:
Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 27 April
Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you to an informative and enjoyable evening.

Swellendam Heritage Association Merit Award 2026 - Nominations Open! 🌿We are excited to announce that nominations are no...
08/04/2026

Swellendam Heritage Association Merit Award 2026 - Nominations Open! 🌿

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for this year's Merit Award! The award will be presented at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2026.
Email your nomination to [email protected].

Do you know a person, place, or project that has made a significant contribution to the beauty, heritage, or amenity of the greater Swellendam area? This is your chance to nominate them!

Nominations are open for any building, structure, space, environmental feature, or anything else in the Swellendam Municipal Area. Please provide the name, address, or description of the nominated place. If possible, include the contact details (e.g., telephone number) of the person to whom the award should be presented.

We look forward to celebrating the contributions that make Swellendam such a beautiful and culturally rich place.

Address

Swellendam
6740

Website

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