Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is an advocacy organisation is led by activist Flo Bird, with guns blazing in the direction of those who threaten the city’s heritage. For the past three decades the foundation has sought to protect Joburg’s historical buildings from poor bureaucratic decisions and rapacious developers. It is something of an ongoing battle. As well as lobbying for the protection of historical buildings, the foundation also organises for important local landmarks to receive blue plaques detailing their unique history and there are now hundreds of buildings, monuments and other landmarks who carry the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation blue plaque.

Throughout the year the foundation offers a diverse range of walking and bus tours led by local heritage specialists that focus on the city’s history and architecture, as well as visits to privately-owned historic homes that members of the public might ordinarily never get to see.

To support the important work which the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation carries out you can also subscribe annually to become a member of the foundation. Members get preferential rates on all heritage tours (usually about half the price as for non-members) and get invitations to exclusive member events such as lectures.

Membership of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation costs R435 per year and you can apply and pay to join online. Find all the details on how to become a member today here. Funds from annual memberships are used by the foundation to continue its important advocacy, research and heritage preservation work.

For an updated list of tours, click here.