Embracing Diversity
District Six was established in 1867, one of six districts in Cape Town. The area, on the outskirts of the inner city was vibrant, colourful and crowded.
People of all colours – residents, immigrants, artisans and merchants – owned and rented houses. They lived in harmony and were close to their places of work, school, worship and entertainment.
In 1901 all the black people were forced to move out, and as the decades passed by it became a predominantly coloured community.
In 1966 when the apartheid government declared it a white area under the Group Areas Act. Bulldozers moved in, and people watched in sadness and disbelief as their homes and belongings were destroyed.
By 1982 District Six was a barren strip of land, and so it remained for many years.
In 1986, District 6 – The Musical by David Kramer and Taliep Petersen told the story of District six in a popular musical which also toured internationally.
District six also contributed nightly to the distinguish career of Jazz Musician Basil Coetzee known for his song District 6
Basil Coetzee ( ‘Ou B’ or ‘Manenberg’ as he was affectionately known) was born in District Six, Cape Town, on 2 February 1944. He grew up in the area, and as a teenager showed keen interest in music. This was aided by the vibrant music scene in District Six.
