I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Kathy Dumbrell, a member of the Western Cape Cultural Commission (WCCC). She was a passionate and committed individual who was dedicated to promoting heritage, the arts, and culture in the province. The Commission elected her to serve as the Chairperson of the Cultural Facilities Committee in 2022.
Through her dedication to the WCCC, she provided input on the operations of the cultural facilities and served as an active member of the Commission until her passing. Her work was invaluable to the WCCC in making informed decisions with respect to the promotion, preservation and development of the arts, culture and heritage sector in the Western Cape. Her dedication to the cause and her commitment to community services will be remembered through the legacy she has left.
Ms Dumbrell also served as a member of the Council of Heritage Western Cape (HWC) from November 2016 to October 2019. In addition, she assisted at Committee level as a member of the HWC Inventories, Grading and Interpretation Committee between 2017 and 2019. This committee is responsible for, amongst other matters, the review of nominations of sites for formal protection, and the approval of inventories and surveys of proposed heritage areas. She served as Chairperson of the HWC Appeals Committee from 2019 until 2022 which deals with appeals made by interested and affected parties following decisions made by committees of HWC in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act.
Ms Dumbrell’s dedication as a Council and Committee member over the years has contributed to the success of the work of the provincial Heritage resources authority. Her willingness to serve by sharing her expertise and knowledge in the field of architecture, and as a seasoned professional in heritage practice, has enriched the understanding of, not only Council and committees of which she was a part of, but also the officials within the provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and HWC who had the privilege of working with her.
I extend my condolences to Ms Dumbell’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. She leaves a legacy of positive change in the arts and culture of the Western Cape which will not be forgotten.
Further enquiries:
Jan-Jan Joubert
MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 083 303 9238
E-mail: Jan.Joubert@westerncape.gov.za
