The Western Cape architectural and heritage landscape has lost a great voice with the passing of Gawie Fagan.
Gawie and Gwen Fagan were legendary within the cultural sphere of the province, as well as on a national level. They embodied a love for the natural landscape, while innovatively working on designs and also giving of their time to preserve our province’s natural heritage.
Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said “Gawie contributed to many projects in the province, but one which needs to be highlighted is his work in restoring the Tulbagh landscape after the earthquake of 1969. He was instrumental in identifying areas for restoration and for ensuring the natural landscape of the town was restored and preserved”.
Gawie and Gwen were honoured at the 2014/15 Cultural Affairs Awards by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, where they received a Ministerial commendation for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and Culture, Language, Heritage, Geographical Names, Museums, Libraries or Archives fields.
Our province was blessed to have had the brilliant mind of Gawie Fagan to inspire and drive the architectural landscapes in the Western Cape. He was passionate about his work and he never hesitated to share his knowledge and give back to the communities he worked in. We express our heartfelt condolences to Gwen and their family, their friends and everyone with whom they worked. Gawie has left a great legacy behind, which will continue to inspires architects for many generations to come.
Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais
083 504 1171