One man is on a mission to protect and preserve the legacy of our cultural treasures for future generations.
Since the early 2000s, Hopefield resident and former graphic artist Chris Murphy has been dedicated to restoring and reviving the living symbols of the West Coast’s past. His efforts focus not only on the aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship of historical buildings but also on their cultural significance as tangible links to the region’s history and heritage. These structures in turn, contribute to the collective memory and identity of the West Coast.
The revival of heritage buildings for future generations involves a meticulous balance between preservation and innovation, ensuring that the structures remain vibrant contributors to the cultural landscape, rather than simply relics of the past.
Chris’s journey began when he lived in Riebeek Kasteel and joined the Swartland Heritage Foundation. ‘It was something I felt deeply about—not just preserving the built environment, but the broader cultural value these places hold,’ he explained. ‘Although Swartland Municipality and Heritage Western Cape supported conservation, the foundation eventually lost momentum.’
To enhance his expertise, Chris completed two heritage conservation courses at UCT, focusing on applications for altering or demolishing heritage buildings under Section 34 of the Act. He then registered with the Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners.
Apart from launching the website weskusheritage.org to catalogue endangered structures and sites in need of preservation, he also consults on heritage projects and does the legwork on obtaining permits. ‘Believe me, it involves considerable paper work and referencing,’ he said.
One of his proudest projects was securing a heritage permit to build a new hall at Malmesbury’s Dutch Reformed Church. ‘The original structure, dating back to 1745, was heavily modified during the Victorian era to create the current appearance. Today it’s a Grade 2 Provincial Heritage Site.’
Chris spoke passionately about another West Coast treasure: Diepkloof Rock Shelter near Elands Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ‘It’s one of three caves in South Africa recognised for its historical significance. Archaeologists discovered evidence of early humans using symbols on ostrich eggshell water containers, dating back 60 000 years.
‘Much of my time is also spent as chairman of the Riebeek Valley Museum and as a member of the West Coast Forum which oversees all other museums on the West Coast. Our work mostly centres around promotions to attract visitors.’ West Coast museums include those at Lamberts Bay, Elands Bay, Clanwilliam, the West Coast Fossil Park at Vredenburg, Laaiplek’s South African Fisheries Museum and !Khwa ttu.
Heritage work aside, Chris and partner Karin revel in pastoral bliss on the Leliefontein farm near Hopefield.
FAST FACTS
To relax I cook or do gardening
My sport is hiking
On TV, I enjoy travel programmes
Favourite West Coast place is the Cederberg
Best restaurant is Voorstrand in Paternoster
I love eating seafood
My signature drink is red wine
I read historical material