To: Saldanha Bay Municipality, Heritage Western Cape, and the Ward Councillor for Jacobsbaai

Jacobsbaai is known for its untouched coastline, quiet beauty, and a deep sense of historical and cultural identity. Among its most recognisable features is the small stone watchtower standing along the shoreline — a simple, uniquely West Coast landmark that has watched over our bay for generations.

Today, this little tower is badly deteriorating and at real risk of collapsing completely.

If we lose it, we lose a part of Jacobsbaai’s soul.

We, the residents, supporters, visitors, and all who care for our heritage, call upon the relevant authorities to protect and stabilise the Jacobsbaai Watchtower before it is too late.

FOR SOME CONTEXT, I have counted 28 guest houses in Jacobsbaai that use one or multiple images of the tower on their websites or lekkeslaap.com!!!!

If the tower is being used for your promotion of accommodation, you have no excuse to not participate in this fight for our heritage!!!

🌿 WHY THIS LANDMARK MATTERS

• It is one of the oldest man-made structures in Jacobsbaai.

• It represents a fragment of West Coast coastal history — likely linked to early fishing activity, maritime lookouts, or wartime coastal monitoring.

• It is a beloved point of reference for walkers, hikers, photographers, and tourists.

• It forms part of the visual and cultural identity of the town.

• It contributes to Jacobsbaai’s natural charm, storytelling, and heritage value.

• Once destroyed, it cannot be replaced — and future generations will lose access to it entirely.

⚠️ THE CURRENT PROBLEM

The tower is:
n• crumbling and unstable

• missing stone and mortar

• weather-worn from decades of coastal exposure

• unmaintained

• at risk of collapse from erosion and structural weakness

Without intervention, this heritage landmark will not survive much longer.

📢 WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR

We respectfully request that:

1️⃣ The Jacobsbaai Watchtower be formally recognised…

as a local heritage structure deserving conservation.

2️⃣ An official inspection be conducted

…by Saldanha Bay Municipality and Heritage Western Cape.

3️⃣ The structure be stabilised

…using minimally invasive conservation techniques that preserve its authenticity.

4️⃣ Interpretive signage be installed

…to explain its history, purpose, and significance to Jacobsbaai.

5️⃣ A simple long-term preservation plan be implemented

…to ensure the tower remains safe, intact, and protected for future generations.

This petition is not requesting reconstruction or commercial development — only responsible preservation of a fragile piece of our town’s story.

❤️ WHY YOUR SIGNATURE MATTERS

Heritage doesn’t survive by accident.

It survives because communities stand up for it.

By signing this petition, you are helping:

• protect Jacobsbaai’s identity

• preserve a unique historical feature

• prevent permanent loss of a meaningful landmark

• show authorities that the community cares deeply about its heritage

Every single signature strengthens our voice.

📍 TOGETHER, WE CAN SAVE THIS LANDMARK

Please sign and share this petition widely — with neighbours, visitors, family, and friends.

Let’s protect the Jacobsbaai Watchtower before it disappears forever.

Thank you for supporting our heritage.