A raging fire started between 06h15 and 06h30 pm on 1
February 2005 in the historic High Street in Grahamstown. The massive blaze
ripped through the heart of Grahamstown, destroying the buildings which house
the Cash Crusaders and Lewis Furnishers. These buildings were typical of those
built in the town in the late Victorian period. The cause of the blaze is
still being investigated by forensic experts from Pretoria. The cause of the
fire has not yet been determined but it is alleged that electrical wiring
could have been the
cause. The historic value of these buildings was probably more important
than their actual monetary value.
High Street is home to many of Grahamstown's most beautiful historic
buildings. The oldest family owned newspaper, Grocott's Mail, which is now run
by Rhodes University's journalism department, was almost destroyed in a fire
in 1998. The buildings in High Street, with their exquisite facades, are one of
the most photographed attractions in Grahamstown.
Mr. Thanduxolo Lungile, Provincial Manager of SAHRA's Eastern Cape office is
alarmed by this tragic event. He has indicated the need to develop
guidelines to save historic structures in towns like Grahamstown. Saving
the CBD will require a lot of will on the part of owners. The sooner we
develop guidelines to save historic structures the better.
