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To call Flo Bird a 'heritage activist' puts it far too mildly. Bird is in the rank of legends – and has her very own Blue Plaque (an initiative recognising legacy sites in the city) to prove it. For decades Bird has worked tirelessly in fierce protection of Joburg's places of significance, admitting her fair share of victories and defeats. She's a tough campaigner when holding city officials to account, and she's also a captivating teller of city stories. Among her many accolades, she was instrumental in the establishment of Constitution Hill, being one of the first to lead tours of the old prison complex.
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) has been lucky to have the inimitable Bird at its helm since 1983, originally established as the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust. Though she stepped down as chairwoman in October 2023, you'd be mistaken for thinking she's cooled down. This national treasure is fiery as ever, whether protesting the senseless and prolonged closure of the Johannesburg City Library – now set for a partial reopening in 2025 – or knee-deep in research for new heritage tours. We're sure Bird's three sons, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren keep her on her toes, too. Or perhaps it's the other way around.
With September being Heritage Month in South Africa, we found it the perfect opportunity to put the spotlight on Bird, a figure for whom we have immense admiration. She takes up the battles to protect this city that many in power shrink from. In this #MyJoburg interview she tells us about her start in activism, channelling righteous anger, and what continues to surprise her about this exciting, damaged, yet aspirant city.
"I get furious when the authorities propose developments which threaten heritage areas or destroy Joburg's heritage."
JHF's Heritage Weekend from Sat, Sep 14 – Sun, Sep 15, 2024 offers 12 guided tours that uncover many aspects of Joburg's fascinating history. Find out more here.
You've been described as a force of nature. Looking at your track record, we have to agree. What drives you?
Usually anger. I get furious when the authorities propose developments which threaten heritage areas or destroy Joburg's heritage.
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is a beautiful example of civic-mindedness in a city that so needs it. Tell us how it all started.
It started many years ago with the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust (PWHT) which was formed when Parktown was under threat from the M6 highway. Getting public support was only possible if the public had access to this heritage and could enjoy and value it. So we researched and created a tour programme. We put blue plaques up as our way of protecting the heritage.
The PWHT also fought for public spaces. Our first defeat was the loss of the Westdene Middle Dam to a rugby field. We lost the Union Grounds to a shopping centre and taxi rank. We have had to fight off threats to Joubert Park and even Zoo Lake. Eventually, it was clear that we were fighting well beyond the boundaries of Parktown and Westcliff, so the organisation became the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JFH). We hadn't realised at that stage just how far the Johannesburg Metropole goes – to Midrand!
We train our own guides, do lots of research, have a research centre, and a programme of tours which runs every weekend except over Christmas. We run a programme of tours for schools and are always short of funds. We try to assist with restoring heritage buildings giving advice and funding parts of projects. We have three Heritage Plans Committees to help property owners who have to submit plans for changes to buildings which are more than 60 years old.
We are not frightened to tell the authorities when they are breaking the National Heritage Resources Act and, equally, we report violations of the Act. We are a membership-based organisation so accountability is built into all our actions.
Reflecting on JHF's work since it began its life in 1985, what have been some of the highest highs and lowest lows?
The greatest high was defeating the M6 [highway development] which removed the threat to The View, Hazeldene Hall, Mike's Kitchen, Outeniqua, and more. Promoting the Old Jail prison complex where we led tours highlighting the evils of apartheid and pass laws led to getting the Constitutional Court to Constitution Hill. This is the most significant heritage site in Johannesburg. Saving the shops on Diagonal Street was another great moment. Reinstating more than 5,000 memorial plaques on the ash walls in Braamfontein Cemetery has been another triumph, as was moving the Bezuidenhout War Memorial to Bezuidenhout Park.
The lows must include the loss of Crown Mines' head office, a declared National Monument, which was demolished without a peep from the City or the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority. No one gets arrested and taken to court. We lost the M.O.T.H cottages in Cottesloe, and important buildings in Doornfontein, and look at what the City has allowed to happen to Fordsburg Square – open space built over completely.
What are you most proud of?
Finding an excellent chairman to take over! [Editor's note: Travel writer and director David Fleminger is Bird's successor.]
What would you say to Joburg residents who have a desire for community engagement, but don't know where to start?
Start with your neighbours. There were six of us in 1973 when we formed the Parktown Association.
What's something about Joburg's history or heritage that never fails to surprise or delight you?
Extraordinary buildings like the Edoardo Villa House.
What's a cause that's particularly close to your heart right now?
Getting the Johannesburg City Library opened to the public again. It belongs to the people of Johannesburg and I am outraged that it was closed without any public consultation or notice. I found out when I went to consult some of the incredibly valuable material held there. Councillors didn't worry about it and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) went on fixing gutters instead of dealing immediately with the matter of adequate fire protection. Only now, once we have held a public protest and been backed by the media, have they decided it is a matter of urgency.
Do you have a favourite of JHF's many excellent tours?
I suppose I enjoy the ones I lead the most!
In a JHF publication around your 80th birthday last year, you announced a desire to slow down. We quote, "People remain sceptical." Have you indeed found a welcome change of pace?
No, regrettably not yet. I am hard at work researching two new tours for JFH's Heritage Weekend.
Home is...
Where the heart is, and mine is domiciled in Joburg!
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
Parktown. The first one I researched thoroughly.
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
How beautiful the city is when you look at all the trees and experience purple jacarandas in spring, and golden jacarandas in autumn.
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
Views from the national Anglo-Boer War Memorial, Diagonal Street shops reflected in the glass diamond building, and the excitement of walking along Jeppe Street in a truly African city.
"[I love Joburg's] energy and generosity when an appeal goes out for help."
One song on your Joburg soundtrack that either is about Joburg or makes you think about this city?
Shosholoza, nothing compares to hearing people sing it.
Your favourite Joburg author or favourite Joburg book?
Herman Charles Bosman. Mafeking Road is my favourite, but he also wrote about Joburg and Stephen Gray made a collection of his essays and stories, Bosman’s Johannesburg (1986 – The Centenary).
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
At the Rand Club on Mother's Day about seven years ago. I can never remember the food! The venue matters.
If you could buy one Joburg building which would it be?
Chancellor House.
If you were the Joburg mayor for one day (average tenure) what would you change?
Repair the pavements, plant the gardens in Beyers Naudé Square, and remove the fences in front of the Johannesburg City Library. Make it a place of great pride.
What makes someone a Joburger?
Tough, energetic, and a lover of the place.
What do you love most about Joburg?
The energy and generosity when an appeal goes out for help.
What do you least like about Joburg?
Crime and grime. Robots out of order. Why is the City Council so inefficient?
Your number-one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Don't be scared. Just be sensible and keep an eye on the pavements, which can be gruesome.
Home is... "Where the heart is, and mine is domiciled in Joburg!"
One Joburg personality whom you would honour with the freedom of the city if you could, and why?
Neeshan Balton of Johannesburg Crisis Alliance and Ahmed Kathrada Foundation for trying to make the councillors wake up to real needs instead of squabbling about who gets which cushy job.
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes...
A Saturday morning shopping at 44 Stanley, a visit to an art gallery (not JAG at present, sadly), a walk in The Wilds, and an evening at the Market Theatre. Sunday morning driving up and around the hills and stopping at the top of Northcliff Ridge at the water tower. Then, lunch with my family at The Green Room [at Pirates Sports Club] and taking a book into the garden to read in the sun!
Three words that describe this city?
Exciting and damaged, but aspiring (to something better).
From Sat, Sep 14 – Sun, Sep 15, JHF offers 12 guided tours as part of its Heritage Weekend, including a bus tour of landmarks in the City Centre led by Flo Bird herself. Find the programme here.
Check out some of our previous #MyJoburg interviews for more insights into the city:
#MyJoburg with Hannelie Coetzee, artist and placemaker
#MyJoburg with Nickolaus Bauer, journalist and Dlala Nje co-founder
#MyJoburg with Ufrieda Ho, author and journalist
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