KEY QUESTION
What is the historical and
cultural significance of The Old
Fort in Durban and how does
its preservation contribute to
the understanding of South
Africa’s colonial past?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kleinz/2789995226/in/photostream/
HERITAGE
ASSIGNMENT
The Old Fort - Durban
By Katyn Bramley
Grade 10TM - VN
CONTENT PAGE
Page Number
Content Page……………………………………………………………………..
1
Key Question……...……………………………………………………………...
2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………….....
2
Heritage…………………………………………………………………………...
2
Why Heritage is Important to South Africa…….……………………………....
2
The Old Fort Origins……………………………………………………………...
3
The Importance and value of preserving The Old Fort.……………………...
6
How to Promote The Old Fort and get recognition for this Site…….…….....
6
Bibliography.……………………………………………………………...............
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Key Question
What is the historical and cultural significance of The Old Fort in Durban and
how does its preservation contribute to the understanding of South Africa’s
colonial past?
Introduction
The Old Fort in Durban is one of South Africa’s important historical landmarks. It was
built in 1842 by British military forces and its role was to stop the Boers from making
Natal a Boer Republic. I chose this Heritage Site because I wanted to learn more
about how Durban started and became the city it is today. I wanted to understand the
significance of this Heritage Site and why it would be important to preserve this site for
future generations.
1. Heritage
Heritage refers to people’s traditions and culture. It includes their values and
customs. Heritage is passed down from older generations to the next generation.
Heritage can include but may not be limited to – music, festivals, buildings,
monuments, art and even language.
Heritage can be centred round family traditions or national traditions. Historical
sites play a big role in preserving history for future generations. It connects people
to their past and to their heritage, helping them understand where they come from
and how they relate to their culture and customs.
There are 2 main types of heritage
1. Cultural Heritage – Things made or passed down by people, like traditions,
language, buildings, and artwork.
2. Natural Heritage – Important natural places like mountains, rivers, or wildlife
areas that are special to a country or culture.
2. Why Heritage is Important to South Africa
Heritage is so important to South Africa because it helps unite our nation and
preserve our history. South Africa is a nation made up of a diverse culture. In
South Africa, after apartheid ended in 1994, heritage has played a key role in
nation building and healing past divisions.
Heritage will benefit South Africa in the following ways: 1. Promotes Unity – South Africa has many different cultures, languages,
customs and traditions. By embracing and respecting everyone’s heritages,
people can feel a sense of belonging and pride in their nation and everyone can
feel that they belong.
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2. Preserves History – Understanding the past helps people learn from it and it
keeps history alive for future generations. Heritage sites, museums, and oral
traditions help to preserve history. It also helps future generations to
understand the past and where they have come from.
3. Encourages Respect and Reconciliation – Heritage helps South Africans
acknowledge past injustices while working toward a future of equality and
respect for everyone. Reconciliation helps people to forgive the past and move
into the future.
4. Boosts Tourism and Economy – Heritage sites and cultural events will attract
tourists from our country and overseas. Increasing tourism means more jobs
and revenue for the economy. Foreigners come to see South Africa.
5. Strengthens Cultural Identity – By celebrating our heritage it allows people to
take pride in who they are and to also appreciate other cultures and learn to
respect other cultures.
In the new South Africa, heritage is a powerful tool for uniting people, remembering
the past, and building a better future together.
3. The Old Fort Origins
The Old Fort in Durban dates back to 1842. Captain Thomas Smith set up a military
camp with British forces at Port Natal (now Durban). The British set up this military
camp to stop the Boers from setting up a Republic in Natal. There was a battle at
Congella, which is close to the Old Fort. After this battle the British troops were
besieged by Boer forces at the fort. (See Source A for location of The Old Fort)
https://evendo.com/locations/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/landmark/the-old-fort
Map of The Old Fort (Source A)
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The Old Fort History
The siege at The Old Fort lasted nearly a month and only ended after Dick King rode
960-kilometers on horseback to Grahamstown to get help. His journey to
Grahamstown took 10 days and he was able to call for British reinforcements. Dick
King’s brave efforts ensured that the British kept control of Durban. The fort was later
developed into a more permanent structure and became known as the Old Fort.
The Old Fort Structure
The original structure was demolished in 1858 and more permanent buildings were
built. These buildings form the foundation of the current complex. The new buildings
had fortified stone walls. The buildings included an arsenal and a barracks where the
British troops lived. The stone structure reflected the military design of the 19th century
that centred around defence and durability.
The Old Fort was not a very big structure, but it was a functional military post. It
housed small cannons and had lookout points. Later on came the small chapel and
some administrative buildings. (See Source B The Old Fort Chapel)
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312595-d480864-Reviews-or10-The_Old_Fort-Durban_KwaZulu_Natal.html
Old Fort Chapel (Source B)
The Old Fort Role
The Old Fort was not just a military base, it was also a symbol of British authority in
the area and a symbol of colonialism. Over the years the role of The Old Fort has
changed. It was home to the Durban Light Infantry and its magazine (a magazine is a
place where ammunition or other explosive material is stored) was converted into a
chapel and the inner courtyard converted into a garden. The military cemetery
contains the tombs of those who died during the 1842 siege.
The Old Fort Significance/Symbols
The Old Fort symbolises the colonial past. It symbolises the struggles between the
British, the Boers and the indigenous peoples.
It is a symbol of the early development of Durban as a major port and city of South
Africa. The Old Fort is one of the oldest colonial military structures in Durban. It was
built at a time when the British, the Boers and the Zulus were fighting for control of the
land
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Interesting Facts
The Old Fort Gardens has various memorials commemorating soldiers who served in
different conflicts, including the Anglo-Zulu War and both World Wars.
(See Source C The Old Fort Gardens)
https://kznpr.co.za/durban-old-fort/
The Old Fort Gardens (Source C)
It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 6 April 1936.
Currently, The Old Fort functions as a Museum. It has memorabilia, including
artefacts from World War II. In Durban, The Old Fort is one of the only structures that
has survived from the 1840’s. There is a bench at The Old Fort that is made from
wood, the wood came from the ship that brought the relieving troops to Durban in 1842
during the Boer siege. (See Source D The Bench)
Inscription
Photo by Katyn Bramley 7th April 2025
Bench found at The Old Fort (Source D)
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4. The Importance and value of preserving The Old Fort
There is a lot of value and impotence in preserving The Old Fort as a Historical
Heritage Site. The Old Fort is an important part of South Africa’s colonial past. It is a
physical reminder of the struggles that took place between the British, the Boers and
the indigenous people.
By preserving The Old Fort not only is history being preserved but so is culture. The
Old Fort can be used for educational purposes and help people to understand where
they came from.
The Old Fort is one of the city's oldest structures so it is a connection to the past. The
site's preservation and continued use as a historical and educational resource is
important for future generations to help them understand the complexities of South
Africa's heritage.
5. How to Promote The Old Fort and get recognition for this Heritage Site
1. Create a Social Media Campaign

Use Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: Social media plays a
big role in today’s society. It is a powerful tool. These platforms can be used to
create awareness of the Heritage site.
2. Educational Programs

Work with Schools: Arrange with schools in the greater Durban area to visit
The Old Fort on educational tours.
3. Create Educational Materials


Brochures, Books, and Videos: Produce materials that educate visitors on the
fort's history. Brochures can be available at the fort for visitors, while
educational videos can be shared online.
Brochures for Schools: Provide schools with educational material that help
students learn about the Old Fort. These brochures should include lots of
photos and interesting facts.
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6. Bibliography
Bibliography
Anon., 2017. What is heritage?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/what-heritage
[Accessed 1 April 2025].
Anon., 2025. Old Fort. [Online]
Available at: https://showme.co.za/durban/tourism/old-fort/
[Accessed 1 April 2025].
Anon., 2025. Things to do in Durban. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/kwazulunatal/old-fort/
[Accessed 4 April 2025].
E-A-A, 2025. 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Durban, South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide. [Online]
Available at: https://www.e-a-a.com/10-best-architectural-buildings-in-durban-south-africa/
[Accessed 2 April 2025].
FOSTER, G., 2025. Old Fort. [Online]
Available at: https://showme.co.za/durban/tourism/old-fort/
[Accessed 31 March 2025].
Malherbie, J., 1965. Port Natal. Cape Town(Western Province): Howard Timmins.
Olivier, J. P., 2025. Mr [Interview] (19 April 2025).
Reporter, S., 2024. Behindthenews. [Online]
Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/ios/behindthenews/a-little-unkempt-but-old-forts-gardens-still-acity-refuge-fc171b1d-b549-4836-b526-0046f5c71fca
[Accessed 2 April 2025].
Reporter, S., 2024. Chapel of love at the Old Fort site still captures hearts. [Online]
Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/ios/behindthenews/chapel-of-love-at-the-old-fort-site-stillcaptures-hearts-22760cd4-0247-46ef-9d62-016ac26d0c7d
[Accessed 7 April 2025].
Wood, R. D., 2002. THE OLD FORT - ETHEKWINI (DURBAN). [Online]
Available at: https://www.salbu.co.za/aWood/AnnalsOfNatal_Wood7.html
[Accessed 1 March 2025].
Wood, R. D., 2002. THE OLD FORT - ETHEKWINI (DURBAN). The Richard and William Wood Book, 23
October.
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