Under R100 Activity – District 6 Museum Cape Town is the visit every South African needs to make

We ask something small from you as you go through our post. Our resident guide told us of something truly painful – she said that she sees a lot of tourists come to the District 6 Museum but hardly sees any local residents and South Africans. If you live in South Africa, we implore you to visit this iconic landmark that is part of our history.

District 6 Museum

Yes, we know what happened – but we don’t know every person’s story. Please also donate on their website whatever you can as these museums will ensure we never forget that discrimination of any kind will always fail in the face of truth, justice and love.

One of the truly horrific stories of Apartheid is that of District 6 where communities of all races and religions lived harmoniously before they were dispossessed of their homes because of racially discriminatory laws. Watch what to expect here.

Today, the District 6 museum stands as a reminder of what happened and shares the stories of how families and neighbours were separated and torn apart.

During your visit, you will have an option of a self-guided visit (R50) or a guided site walk (R120) where a former resident will share their story growing up in the neighbourhood, their forced removal and the current struggle for justice. We recommend the latter as the stories narrated are filled with lived experiences that bring both joy and tears to one’s eyes.

We had the privilege of viewing the inside of a former home that was depicted through a mock room in the museum. The artefacts in the room were donated by many of the former residents and their families who kept their items. You might even recognise some yourself! One of our favourite things was the floor map though. Through an internal project, the museum invited former residents to sketch the previous streets and landmarks on the museum floor. They remember where they stayed, their neighbours and things like the corner shop or church near them and can put them down.

The museum also pays tribute to the many heroes of District 6 who played a massive role during the struggle for freedom. These small yet powerful additions to the museum’s design and layout narrate the story of decades of struggle for people to get what they truly deserve, their home.

Bookmark this for your the next time you’re looking for something fun to do! Want more travel recommendations, both in and outside South Africa? Follow us @afor_adventures or subscribe to our food & travel blog – always honest, always helpful.