About Friends of Smuts House
The Friends of Smuts House (FoSH) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the conservation and development of the Museum and the museum site, which includes the Smuts Koppie and Oubaas trail.
The Friends Group is affiliated to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa. Members are involved in arranging approximately 10 supper talks and 4 walks (tours) per year on site or in the surrounding area. This enables the Friends to raise funds and promote understanding of the history, philosophy and enormous legacy of Jan Christian Smuts.
The tours involve guided bird watching, nature walks, geological walks and walks aiming to disseminate information about the pre-history, Anglo-Boer War period and the farming activities on the Doornkloof farm of Smuts as well as the house interior.
Links are also established with historians, learned societies, academic institutions and individuals around the world and other environmental Friends groups in Tshwane for the purpose of sharing information on the life and times of the Smuts couple.
Aims of the Friends
- Conservation and preservation of the declared heritage areas such as the General Smuts House Museum, the landscape garden, the Smuts Koppie, Oubaas Trail and Arboretum
- Promotion of historical and environmental education through talks and tour of the man, his wife, the way of life on a farm before the 1960’s, their values
Membership fees: per annum
- Single: R220
- Family: R330
- Institutions/Clubs – on request
Benefits to Friends
- Free Museum entrance for Friends. Accompanying guests, however, pay normal fees
- Reduced charges for social events: talks, walks and lectures
- Newsletter(s)
- Know that you contribute to the preservation and posterity of the cultural, historical and natural legacy of Jan Smuts
Smuts House Museum and its Natural Environment
The preservation of the Smuts House Museum and the Smuts Koppie for future generations can only be achieved with YOUR HELP.
Smuts House Museum and its natural environment, including the Smuts Koppie, provide a unique insight into the unpretentious lifestyle of the Smuts family. General Smuts was an international Statesman, national leader, soldier and lawyer. Botany and philosophy were his abiding interests, as demonstrated in his extensive library and herbarium.
The Tea Garden, set under shady trees in quiet country surroundings, serves light meals, delicious scones and cream and liquid refreshments. Functions can also be catered for.
How can you help preserve this historical and natural area for future generations?
- Donations:Â Donate to maintain and preserve the Smuts House Museum, Library and environment.
- Fundraising Activities:Â Volunteer to assist with functions and activities such as bird walks, botany walks, supper talks and environmental education.
- Workparties:Â Join the group of workers maintaining the Nature Trail and conserving the natural area of the Smuts Farm Conservancy (the koppie).
Please apply to be a Member of the Friends by clicking here:Â Â MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Â and filling out the form provided.