Residents Rally to Protect Pretoria’s Jacaranda Heritage

Photo credit: tanyajacobszart.com

In a fervent bid to protect Pretoria’s iconic jacaranda trees, residents are calling for provincial heritage status for the historic trees, a staple of the city’s character for nearly 140 years.

This movement gained traction after the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority Gauteng (Phrag) dismissed a request to grant heritage status to the jacarandas, citing a lack of “heritage value” due to their classification as an alien species. The rejection sparked an appeal, and a community petition, led by the Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations, now urges Pretoria locals to support this cause to preserve a beloved symbol of their city.

Gerhard Pretorius, spokesperson for the Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations, voiced residents’ frustration, highlighting that Pretoria, widely known as “Jacaranda City,” takes its nickname from these iconic trees. He questioned how the very trees that shaped Pretoria’s identity could be denied heritage status, especially given that the first jacarandas in Pretoria were planted in the late 1880s in the suburb of Sunnyside. Notably, this initial request for provincial heritage status had the backing of the City of Tshwane.

Critics of Phrag’s decision argue that jacarandas embody significant cultural, historical, and social values for Pretoria’s residents. Professor Anton van Vollenhoven, an archaeologist and historian, defended the jacaranda trees, challenging Phrag’s alien species stance. According to Van Vollenhoven, jacarandas were historically considered culturally significant, despite being non-native. He argued that heritage should reflect the societal impact of these trees, as residents have embraced jacarandas as part of their cultural landscape and folklore. Many locals even believe that if a jacaranda blossom falls on a student’s head, they’re destined to pass their exams—an anecdote that reflects the strong cultural bond between Pretoria’s people and the trees.

Jacarandas were first brought to South Africa from South America in the late 19th century, with the initial trees being planted in Durban in 1885, followed by Pretoria in 1888. Pretoria’s jacaranda-lined streets became widely planted from 1906 onward, ultimately making jacarandas synonymous with the city’s aesthetic appeal. Today, an estimated 65,000 jacaranda trees grace Pretoria, while neighboring Johannesburg claims around 70,000.

The jacaranda’s heritage status is not only a question of cultural value but also of legal precedent. Under South Africa’s National Heritage Resources Act, cultural and natural heritage significance can be recognized even for non-native species if they hold historical or social importance. As such, supporters argue that these trees should be protected as they have become an intrinsic part of Pretoria’s identity and heritage, inspiring poems, songs, and even a friendly rivalry with Johannesburg over which city has more jacarandas.

While the fight to secure heritage status continues, residents’ commitment to protecting these vibrant symbols of Pretoria remains unwavering. The jacaranda’s deep-rooted significance to Pretoria’s culture and history underscores the importance of this endeavor, with residents and heritage advocates hopeful that Pretoria’s legacy as Jacaranda City will be preserved for future generations

Source: TheCitizen