What happened in District 6 South Africa?

District Six (Afrikaans Distrik Ses) is a former inner-city residential area in Cape Town, South Africa. Over 60,000 of its inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970s by the apartheid regime.

What is the history of District Six?

“District Six was named the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town in 1867. Originally established as a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers and immigrants, District Six was a vibrant center with close links to the city and the port.

What is District 6 called now?

Zonnebloem
District Six, or Zonnebloem as it is officially known, is one step closer to being District Six again. The paperwork for the name change for the area near Cape Town’s city centre, made famous by forced evictions during the apartheid era, is now with the Geographical Names Council.

What was District 6 life like?

Before being torn apart by the apartheid regime during the sixties and seventies, District Six, was an impoverished but lively community of 55 000, predominantly coloured people. It was once known as the soul of Cape Town, this inner-city area harboured a rich cultural life in its narrow alleys and crowded tenements.

What is the area of District Six known for?

District Six is a residential area in Cape Town, South Africa. The area was once known for its lively community, many cultures, and music. In the 1960s, however, it became a symbol for the destructive nature of apartheid.

What is District 6 called today?

What was the history of District Six in Cape Town?

Originally established as a Community of freed Slaves, Merchants, Artisans, Labourers and Immigrants. District Six was a centre with close links to the city and the port. However, by the beginning of the 20th Century, the History of removals and marginalisation had begun!

When was District Six declared a slum in South Africa?

The apartheid government declared the area a slum in 1966 and forcefully removed over 60 000 people in the area, relocating them to the Cape Flats. Residents who lived here then will tell you otherwise.

When was District Six declared a white area?

District Six thus became one of the main urban targets for destruction in the city of Cape Town. On 11 February 1966 it was declared a white area under the Group Areas Act of 1950, and by 1982, the life of the community was over.

When was the District Six Museum in Johannesburg established?

In 1989 the District Six Museum Foundation was established, and in 1994 the District Six Museum came into being. It serves as a remembrance to the events of the apartheid era as well as the culture and history of the area before the removals.