The Simon’s Town Historical Society has been working towards a proposal for the inclusion of the Simon’s Town Historic and Natural Marine Precinct on South Africa’s UNESCO Tentative List.
This initiative recognises the exceptional combination of architectural heritage, naval and maritime history, cultural diversity, and natural marine environment that define Simon’s Town’s unique character and contribution to world heritage. A prerequisite for inscription is that the site must be recognised as being of Outstanding Universal Value.
As part of the required public participation process under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) guidelines and the World Heritage Convention Act (Act 49 of 1999), we invite you to peruse the following documents (which are attached below):
- Draft Proposal: Outline of the proposed nomination of the Simon’s Town Historic and Natural Marine Precinct.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Explains the purpose, implications, and next steps of the nomination process.
- Overview of the UNESCO Procedure: A one-page infographic summarising how sites are nominated to South Africa’s Tentative List.
- Online Survey: A short questionnaire to gather views on Simon’s Town’s historical/heritage significance, community values, and potential benefits or concerns. Your feedback is essential to ensure that the submission reflects the insights and priorities of our community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below before 01/11/2025.
UNESCO PROPOSAL SURVEY
All responses will be treated confidentially and reported in summary form only.
If you wish to provide more detailed input, you may also send written comments to simonstown.historical.society@gmail.com by the same date.
We thank you for your continued commitment to preserving and promoting the history, heritage and surrounding environs of Simon’s Town which we believe to be a site of outstanding universal value. Your participation in this process will help ensure that our community’s story is represented at the highest international level.
Warm regards,
Esther Le Roux
For: Simon’s Town Historical Society
