The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is 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 City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, said: “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 forced 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.”
 

The sites that now have National Heritage Site status in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, reflect 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 the Jewish Cemetery.

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