Ismail Mahomed’s article (GM 2 March) on honouring our heritage overlooks the legal limitations of the Aesthetics Committee and then makes some harsh judgements.

When he says the committee needs “a kick up its arse” over the state of the Old Cemetery, he is kicking the wrong arse! The Aesthetics subcommittee of Makana Municipality has the brief to offer non-obligatory advice on a certain designated area only.

That is the area bounded by Somerset, African, Cawood/Bathurst and Beaufort Streets. Look elsewhere to heap blame for the state of the cemetery and “urban decay creeping through other parts of the city”.

The  Aesthetics Committee has meetings scheduled throughout each year. It is intent on preserving our heritage and the Grahamstown Residents’ Association has no evidence whatsoever of its being anti-modernisation.

Its  assertion that a new building in an historically sensitive area must tone in with its environment and not stick out like a sore thumb is laudable and its determination not to turn a blind eye to little aberrations  here and there is evidence of its dedication.

This committee is unfortunately plagued by bureaucratic  bungling, but its members soldier on with dogged determination. Mahomed’s call for an action group on a  broad front is very exciting, but it is still just an idea.

In the mean time, the narrow front battle of the Aesthetics Committee needs support, not vituperation.
Clive Whitford Chairperson Grahamstown Residents’ Association