A former Salt River resident is preparing to launch the Salt River Heritage Tours, an initiative aimed at uncovering the suburb’s rich but often overlooked history.

The tours, which are expected to launch soon, are the brainchild of historian Anwar Omar, founder of the Salt River Heritage Society and a councillor at the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA).

Omar says there is a significant gap in the literature documenting Salt River’s history and heritage.

About 10 years ago, he began conducting academic research into the suburb to preserve its stories and highlight its historical significance.

“I want people to appreciate the area for what it is and not what it’s perceived to be. I want to transfer actual experiences and collective memory of the community so that they can understand and appreciate the complexity and layered landscape of Salt River and its inhabitants.”

His research explores the area’s long and complex history, stretching back to pre-colonial times.

The tours will highlight some of the many significant historical events that have shaped Salt River over the centuries.

These include the 1510 Battle of Salt River, in which Portuguese leader Francisco de Almeida was killed, the slave rebellion that was halted at Salt River Circle, the 1976 student march from Salt River High School into Cape Town’s city centre, and the killing of the Staggie brothers at the corner of London and Albert roads.

Omar says the idea for the heritage tours was born about four years ago, but the project has only now reached the point where it is ready to be officially launched.

He believes the tours will offer residents and visitors a deeper understanding of one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs.

“Salt River is one of the oldest suburbs of Cape Town. Not many people know about all the events that took place there. There are so many things pertaining to Salt River that need to be made more public.”

He says the tours are intended not only for those interested in the suburb itself but also for anyone wanting to better understand Cape Town’s broader history.

“If you are interested in the history and heritage of Salt River as well as the broader Cape Town then this tour is for you. Salt River is not an island on its own, it’s interconnected with other areas. I don’t think you can claim that you know the history of Cape Town, without the history of Salt River.”

For more information, contact Anwar on 082 856 9620.

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