City welcomes national recognition of District Six heritage

06 April 2023

The City of Cape Town welcomes and celebrates the decision of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to give eight sites in District Six national heritage status. With this declaration, the sites now enjoy unique protection in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act. 

'The story of District Six is not only one of displacement and tragedy, but also a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit in severe oppressing circumstances. I am truly grateful that we are now seeing the beginning of a process to acknowledge and confirm District Six's cultural, historical, and heritage significance.

'Those who lived, loved, and worked in District Six have fond memories of their days in this neighbourhood before the forceful removals took place.

'Over the past two years, I have attended many workshops and engagements that the City hosted with the District Six community. I spoke to those who have recently moved back, and others who will return in the coming months and years. What made a huge impression on me was how passionately these former residents of District Six spoke about the cosmopolitan nature of District Six before it was flattened by the Apartheid government. District Six existed among a rich mosaic of different peoples, all with their own traditions, cultures, and beliefs,' said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

The list of sites that are now declared as National Heritage Sites in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act reflects this richness: The Seven Steps; Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Moravian Church; Zeenatul-Islam Masjid; Al-Azhar Mosque; Trafalgar High School; Harold Cressy School; and Jewish Cemetery.

'It is wonderful to see these sites in District Six recognised for their cultural and historical significance. This is a crucial step to ensure we never forget what happened in District Six, and that we always acknowledge the value these particular sites have for the residents of District Six, both past and present,' said Ward Councillor Francine Higham.

'I understand this is only the first phase of more declarations to follow by SAHRA. We welcome and support this very important initiative,' said Alderman Andrews.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office