The Cape Town Heritage Trust says it is devastated to learn about the terrible mountain fire that has destroyed a large part of the cultural landscape of the Rhodes Estate, the historic Tea Room next to the Rhodes Memorial, several buildings on the main campus including the Jagger Library with its internationally significant collection of historic archival documents and books and the Fuller Hall residence.

Other buildings that have been destroyed include Mostert’s Mill, the historic windmill that was the only restored working windmill in the country, a historic house, Cadboll, that served as student accommodation, and several other historic buildings.

According to the Trust’s Laura Robinson; “It is not only the historic buildings themselves that have been lost, but their contents and collections; a memory and resource of immense value to all South Africans and indeed the world. We do understand that the University community has been safely evacuated and that no lives have been lost, and for this we are truly thankful. It is also understood that an urgent meeting will be held to assess the damage to the Jagger Library collection and we look forward to learning more details on the extent and scale of the damage to the collection.”

The Trust says it stands ready to assist in whatever manner it can and offers an opportunity for those who wish to donate towards the restoration of the buildings devastated by the fire. Donations may be made to the Cape Town Heritage Foundation, an arm of the Trust that holds funding in trust for such situations.

The Foundation is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and has Section 18A status which enables the issuing of tax certificates of donation. For further information please contact our Office Manager, Mrs Nicolette Nunes on 021 4262157 or admin@heritage.org.za.