Heidelberg Heritage Association

20/04/2026

I am pleased to announce that I have completed the book on the summary of the “Heidelberg SAR News 1898 to 1902”, which is a continuation of my previous book 1895 – 1897.
This 228 Page A4 Hardcover book, with colour, and black and white pictures, covers the Heidelberg Commandos going to the Mpefu War in 1898 and the lead up and tensions prior to the Anglo-Boer War, and the British occupation during and after the war. Although the newspaper was not published for two years during the war, I have included items from other sources.
This Hardcover A4 Book is available for only R550 per book. (Limited quantities will be printed)
Orders will be taken up until the end of April 2026.
Books will be available at the end of May 2026.
If you would like the book to be sent by Postnet, please add R109.

Contact Tony via Whatsapp on 072 460 9663 to place your order.

19/04/2026

80. Mrs Botha’s House
Article in the 28th August 2024 edition of the Heidelberg / Nigel Heraut by Eugene Viljoen.
Recognition for historic home
HEIDELBERG – The Heidelberg Heritage Association unveiled its 80th Heritage blue plaque on August 15. The latest blue plaque to be unveiled is at Mrs Botha’s house,
37 Jacob Street.
The house known as Mrs Botha’s house was built in the 1890s for a Mr Botha, who was married to an English woman. Mrs Botha stayed in the house for several years after Mr Botha died.
The Kalil family owned the house from 1920 onwards.
Anthony Kalil was born on December 12, 1912, in Sibeyl, Lebanon. Kalil relocated with his parents to South Africa and settled in Heidelberg in 1920 when he was seven Kalil attended Heidelberg Public School. The school at the time was situated on Begeman Street.
Anthony married Annie Safi from Lebanon in 1937. Together they had six children
(Nero, Joseph, Peter, Mary, Eva and Gerald). Kalil loved Heidelberg and referred to it as ‘Heavensberg’.
Another building that Kalil owned was the Old Union Bioscope on Jacobs Street.
The Union Bioscope was situated across the road from Mrs Botha’s house and was frequented by the local community, scholars, and Heidelberg Teachers Training
college students.
Kalil passed away in Johannesburg on August 28, 2000, after a short illness.
GC Mouldings and Aida Estates operated their businesses
from this house in the 1990s.
The latest occupant of the house is Rasam Tandoori’s Indian Restaurant. They have been in operation since 2014.
The plaque was sponsored by Albert Grobler.

18/04/2026

79. Viljoen and Meek

Article in the 31st July 2024 Heidelberg/Nigel Heraut by Eugene Viljoen.

Attorney offices receive heritage status

HEIDELBERG – Heidelberg Heritage Association awarded the next blue plaque for
heritage on July 19th, 2024.

Tony Burisch of HHA unveiled the plaque, which was presented to Viljoen and Meek Attorney’s offices in Voortrekker Street. The plaque is number 79 in the heritage sites in the Heidelberg area.

Viljoen and Meek Attorneys was established by Piet Viljoen (1886 – 1941). Viljoen was the son of General Piet Retief Viljoen (Snr, 1853 – 1926). Viljoen (snr) was the mining commissioner of Heidelberg during the second Anglo Boer War. His mother was Magdalene Margaretha Viljoen, who was part of the Groot Trek. Piet Retief Viljoen was the grandson of the Voortrekker leader, Piet Retief.

General Viljoen was one of the delegates to the peace conference in Vereeniging. He returned to Heidelberg after the war to his position as mine commissioner. Viljoen (snr) died in 1926, aged 72, and is buried in the Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery.

Piet Viljoen’s brother, Marthinus (Ouboet 1878 – 1959) was an accountant at the company. The company was an agent for Santam and the Union-Castle Line at one time.

Previous attorneys and lawyers that practised here were Aurelius van der Spuy (58 years), Boet Lanser (24 years), Piet Oosthuizen (40 years) and Sakkie van der Berg
(41 years and counting). Sakkie is the current attorney at the office and Corrie Human from CJ Human Attorneys/CJ Attorneys moved to the building in 2015 and
is also conducting his law practice from the offices.

On October 28, 2022, a fire damaged huge parts of the building. The fire caused considerable damage to the interior of the building.

The plaque is sponsored by Sakkie van der Berg and Corrie Human.

19/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/14Kv3dyAEBK/

16/10/2025

Posted by Naomi Moss on behalf of the Executive Committee of Heidelberg.
Gold medal reward by HASA to Tony Burisch.
Thank you for making us proud.

28/08/2025

28/08/2025

"The Story of Heidelberg"

A new book on the history of Heidelberg is now available, based on a previously unpublished manuscript. Instead of writing a new book, we decided it was better to publish the original work, giving the author the credit they deserve. We have also added new pictures that were not in the original version.

The book is based on interviews conducted in 1936 by Rev. Noel Roberts of the Heidelberg Anglican Church with Robbie Ueckermann, the son of Heidelberg's founder. Robbie was a young boy when Heidelberg was established as a town and which later became the capital of the "Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek," making him a firsthand witness to the town's growth.

This 96-page hardcover book is priced at R400. As a special offer, you can get it for only “R350” if you pay by September 5, 2025. Books are expected to be available before Heritage Day on September 24, 2025.
Whatsapp Tony on 0724609663 to order your copy.

05/08/2025

02/04/2025

"Want to learn about the Heidelberg Methodist Church's long story?
There's a new hardcover book, compiled by Tony Burisch, with 226 pages full of colour pictures and stories that tells all about it and its different ministers. It's on sale for R560.
Did you know the church used to be called the “Heidelberg Wesleyan Church”? It started way back in a barn, right where the KFC is now!
This year, the church is celebrating 130 years since they moved into their building on Strydom Street, back in 1895. And their current leader, Reverend Mantini, is the 40th minister!
This book is packed with colourful memories of all the different ministers and the important people who helped build the church over the years.
If you'd like a copy of this special book, it's only R560. Just send a Whatsapp message to Tony at 0724609663 to order. They're only printing a limited number, so don't wait too long!"

10/03/2025

Three collector’s books on Heidelberg, Gauteng, for Sale:-
1. The Heidelberg News – A summary of the Heidelberg Newspaper compiled by Tony Burisch, with other interesting history of Heidelberg. Includes a number of pictures of “Old Heidelberg” (180 A4 pages) – R350 each

2. Heidelbergers of the Boer War (First Edition) – Written by Ian Uys in 1981 – In mint condition (277 A5 Pages) – Only 3 available – R500 each.

3. “Aan God Alleen Die Eer” – History of the Klipkerk 1865 – 1965 in Afrikaans – includes how Heidelberg was founded – mint condition (186 A4 Pages) – Only 6 available – R500 each.
Place your order with Tony on Whatsapp 0724609663
Stocks are limited.
Paxi shipping is available for those unable to collect in Heidelberg (additional charge).