Learners at the Bishop Lavis School of Skills today marked the day 60 years ago, 11 February 1966, that many Capetonians, including people living in Bishop Lavis, will always regard with infamy – the day District Six was officially declared white under apartheid group areas. It unveiled a “humanity only” park bench in its art gallery.
Forcibly removed
The ensuing two decades saw at least 60 000 people forcibly removed from the area and all traces of the area removed under “slum-clearance” ordinances. Aside from the Group Areas Act (1950 and its 1957 and 1966 amendments), governing residential segregation, apartheid also saw the advent of such legislation as the Separate Amenities Act (1953), which brought separate beaches, cinemas, eateries, train carriages and so on about, casting separation of the races in stone. The new bench, only partly finished at the time of its unveiling, alludes to designated park benches – “whites only” and “non-whites only”- only this time with the innocuous “humanity only” on display.
History
Mario Oostendorp, a teacher at the school, pointed out that at a special school like his learners engage with history in more interactive ways, presented more as topics of interest. “I always wanted to make a bench because I had the sign here from a previous exhibition. When I looked at the date I realised it was the date District Six was declared a whites-only area. I decided I was going to tell the learners about the history of District Six, reminding of all the stories their grandparents may have related about being evicted from the area.
“I explained about the signs on park benches and other amenities, making them aware that many in the past did not enjoy the freedom of movement and association they take for granted now.”
Oostendorp said once it is finished the bench will form part of an exhibition at the Cape Flats Art Festival. “For now it will be in our school’s art gallery.”
