CAPE TOWN: They Erased a Vibrant Neighbourhood

In this powerful episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore one of Cape Town's most poignant landmarks: District Six. I begin by chatting with Uber drivers – immigrants from Rwanda, Congo and Malawi – who share what life is really like in the city today. Their stories highlight Cape Town's beauty and its socio-economic challenges, setting a compelling backdrop for what follows. Then we step into the District Six Museum, where history comes alive through photos, maps and personal testimonies. Once a lively, multi‑ethnic neighbourhood of tens of thousands, it was declared a whites‑only area in February 1966. Forced removals displaced over 60,000 residents over the next decade – families torn apart and community destroyed. Today, most of the land remains vacant – a stark reminder of apartheid's legacy. We hear from former inhabitants who recount heartbreaking stories of resistance, loss and survival. This episode is a journey through memory, resilience and the enduring spirit of community amid injustice. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/151-the-dark-history-of-district-six/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on March 9, 2020.