The Freedom Square in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, has been declared a provincial heritage site.
Bonteheuwel has a rich history of political
activism in response to the abhorrent Apartheid system. Freedom Square, in
particular, was a space used at the centre of this political activism and it is
therefore significant in our province’s history.
In the keynote address delivered by Western
Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport
MEC, Anroux Marais said Freedom Square embodies the spirit and legacy of
Bonteheuwel’s heroes and heroines.
‘’The Bonteheuwel Civic, the library, the
staircases and platforms surrounding the library would act as assembly and
meeting points, which provided a platform for activist to address crowds. The
significance of Freedom Square lies in the cumulative significance of its
series of spaces. Meetings were held in the library in the 1980s away from the
scrutiny of the apartheid police. The staircase at the square provided a
platform from which activists could address crowds, when not done so at the
Bonteheuwel Civic.’’
‘’Evidently, Freedom Square possesses high
social and historical significance as it comprises of places and buildings of
cultural significance to which oral traditions are attached which are
associated with living heritage. Freedom Square indeed embodies the spirit and
legacy of Bonteheuwel’s heroes and heroines.’’
Marais said the heritage site represents defiance
against the unjustice of Apartheid.
‘’The site also holds importance in the
community, in the pattern of South Africa's history and has strong and special
association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of
importance in the history of South Africa. Therefore, its spaces, buildings and
memories bear significance for social and cultural reasons in representing
defiance against the unjust Apartheid state.”
PICTURE: WCG - (From left) Chairperson of the Standing Committee on
cultural Affairs and Sport: Mr. Reagan Allen; ; Chairperson of the Interpretation,
Grading and Inventories Committee: Mr. Ron Martin; Bonteheuwel Ratepayers and
Tenants Association: Mr. Yusuf Cassiem, Member of Parliament: Mr. Faiez Jacobs;
Minister Anroux Marais; Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor: Mr. Angus Mckenzie;
Institute for Justice and Reconciliation: Ms. Felicity Harrison; Alderman
Theresa Thompson; Acting CEO of Heritage Western Cape and Ms. Irma TitusDone By: Mitchum George
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