South Africa’s heritage, both tangible and intangible, is protected in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) and the processes governing this protection are managed under this Act and related legislation.

Those tasked with protecting heritage resources include Heritage Practitioners with a specialist understanding of heritage matters, and may include Architects, Urban Designers, Planners and Landscape Architects with a specific focus on conservation; Historians; Archaeologists; Paleontologists; Anthropologists; Art Historians; Museologists; Objects Conservators; and Researchers.

WHAT IS APHP?

The Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners (APHP) is an Association of affiliated professionals in the heritage sector who are committed to service delivery marked by professional expertise and ethical practice. The Association was established in 2003.

The primary objective of the Association is to promote the identification, conservation and understanding of cultural property. In order to do this the Association has adopted objectives based on an ethical position, which it pursues through:

1. The implementation of an accreditation system for professional heritage practitioners that promotes competency and best practice standards;
2. The application of a stringent Code of Practice for professional heritage practitioners;
3. The raising of awareness amongst authorities and civil society of the necessity for professional standards in conservation and heritage resource management; and
4. The promotion of education and training in the field of conservation and heritage resource management.

MEMBERSHIP

Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of heritage assessments and the management of heritage resources, we encourage applicants from many academic backgrounds.

Membership of the Association is open to any individual deemed by the Association to meet the minimum requirements set out in the Standards for Accreditation. These members then become Accredited Professional Heritage Practitioners. Candidate membership is available to practitioners who do not satisfy the required academic qualifications and/or professional experience, but who work in the field and wish to work towards becoming accredited members. Any person may join the Association as a Friend subject to their support for the objectives and Codes of Practice of the Association.

All applications for membership are considered by a sub-committee of the Association established for that purpose.
Annual subscriptions are charged for all categories of membership of the Association. The 2011/12 fees are currently:
Members : R450 p.a
Candidate Members : R250 p.a.

WHY JOIN APHP?

In addition to the objectives and responsibilities outlined above, APHP provides a professional support forum for practitioners to debate matters of interest; to discuss issues regarding professional practice; and to receive information of relevance to the profession, including the interpretation of legislation and matters relating to the Heritage Authorities. APHP, through its Executive Committee liaises with the Heritage Authorities and pursues links with related Organizations or Associations on matters of common interest.

We are committed to keeping abreast of changes in the profession and communicating these with our members, and also to ongoing review of the professional needs of our members and creatively addressing those.