Forsaken heritage : the case of Kliptown

Abstract: Heritage tourism is growing in importance in terms of the global tourism economy. As a result there has been an increase in academic interest and research about heritage and heritage tourism. In South Africa the promotion of heritage tourism is being undertaken and in a parallel with the international situation local research is expanding. This study adds to the existing knowledge base about heritage tourism in South Africa. The focus is on the planning and workings of Kliptown as a heritage destination. Kliptown is an important heritage site because of its hosting of the Congress of the People in 1955 and the site of the declaration of the African National Congress Freedom Charter. Using original documentary sources including planning documents as well as a series of key stakeholder interviews the study analyses the planning and establishment of Kliptown as a potential heritage tourism destination. It is argued that several criticisms can be made of the planning process and of the design of Kliptown for heritage tourism. A survey undertaken of 50 tourists visiting Kliptown reinforces the argument that improvements need to be made in order to maximise the local impacts of heritage development for local communities. The study concludes that at present Kliptown is not fulfilling its potential as a heritage tourism destination. Several recommendations are made to improve the potential of this important heritage site in South Africa to fulfil its potential for tourism development.M.A