The Simon’s Town Museum Phoenix Committee will host its annual Heritage Day commemoration on Thursday, 24 September, to honour the victims of apartheid-era forced removals.

The historical event aims to preserve the memory and raise awareness of the vibrant local community that was systematically displaced after inhabiting Simon’s Town for more than 200 years.

Maritime history

The town and its people have strong ties to maritime history and to international geo-political events, with its being a significant port on the Cape Sea Route.

The Phoenix Committee, formed in 1996 by the Simon’s Town Museum, former residents, and dedicated volunteers, continuously works to record oral histories and safeguard the rich heritage of dispossessed families from areas such as Luyolo, Dido Valley, and Red Hill.

The historic programme, themed “Remembering the Forced Goodbyes,” will commence at 10:00 at the Memorial Benches on Jubilee Square.

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony will feature prayers and short speeches by prominent community leaders Suzette Farmer, Bishop Stafford Moses, and Imam Abdullah Solomons, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.

Following the square proceedings, those in attendance will join a procession along the Main Road, led by the brigade from the False Bay Diocese, moving towards St Francis Church for the remainder of the event.

The historic day will feature special guest speaker Rev Basil Adams, who will discuss his book, From Darkness to Light.

The Simon’s Town Museum, which anchors the project, is housed in the1777 winter residence of the Dutch East India Company Governor.

To ensure inclusion, a dedicated commuter bus will be available from Ocean View. For more information contact the organisers at simonstownmuseum1777@gmail.com or via telephone at 078 218 7762.

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