The Drakenstein Municipality (DM) is reviewing its Heroes’ Acre policy and will soon release a draft version for public comment.
The new additions to the policy will “make provision for a broader definition of the Heroes’ Acre being introduced” and will “consist of three options for laying a hero or community member to rest,” according to the draft version shared in the most recent council meeting of 30 April.
The three options include an in-ground burial, a plaque on the Wall of Remembrance or a niche and plaque for the ashes of individuals who have passed and been designated for Heroe’s Acre.
“Each of thse three options will have their own set of criteria, to guide and clarify qualifying heroes and/or individuals that may qualify for a specific category,” the draft sipulated.
The Heroes Acre
The purpose of the DM’s Heroes’ Acre policy is to honour individuals who have played a significant role and made a substantial contribution to the Drakenstein area and/or left a lasting legacy.
The programme, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, has honoured 43 individuals who left a lasting legacy within the municipality, according to David Delany, DM’s Acting Executive Director of Community Services.
He, however, was unable to confirm the exact date of the programme’s inception. “A request for input and comments on the DM’s draft Heroes’ Acre policy will be placed in Paarl Post on the municipal Facebook page and website as well as on notice boards in municipal buildings. This is yet to be advertised.”
In their feedback the DM has not yet provided a specific date for publication for public comment.
In-ground burial criteria:
• The person must be a resident or inborn into the area; and
• Performed outstanding services for the community of the Drakenstein that qualify for national recognition.
Wall of rememberance plaque:
The wall of remembrance plaque should be earmarked for persons as follows:
• The person must be a resident, ex-resident or inborn from the Drakenstein area;
• Performed outstanding services for the community of Drakenstein that qualify for provincial recognition; and
• Uniformed individuals who died in the line of duty for Drakenstein and or by saving a life or livelihood.
Niche and plaque:
The niche and plaque should be earmarked for persons as follows:
• The person must be a resident, an ex-resident or originally from the Drakenstein area;
• Performed outstanding servives for the community of Drakenstein that qualify for provincial recognition; and
• Uniformed individuals who died in the line of duty for Drakenstein and/or by saving a life.
