The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation [1] (JHF) is an activist, conservation and education organization which aims to conserve Johannesburg’s built heritage, while informing residents about the city's “precious, non-renewable, finite and irreplaceable” [1] heritage resources.
Since the discovery of gold, in 1886, and the establishment of the first hotel at Ferreirasdorp, the city’s infrastructure has benefited from investments associated with the mining industry. Under apartheid, aided by cheap labour,[2] Johannesburg became the city of gold, a regional powerhouse and experienced enormous economic and spatial growth. Post-democracy corruption has meant that many parts of the greater metropolis have been neglected and lost their shine.[3] Foundation members are committed to the whole city, providing a balanced representation of the city’s heritage, raising awareness of architecture and buildings and commemorating a diverse culture with blue plaques.[4] The foundation has had a significant impact, and has earned its reputation as a defender to the city’s diverse heritage and cultural public infrastructure, such as the Johannesburg City library.[5]