Mitchell’s Plain prepares for a vibrant 50th anniversary celebration

As Mitchell’s Plain approaches its golden jubilee in 2026, local organisations are already joining forces to ensure this milestone honours the area’s rich legacy and enduring community spirit.

On Saturday, November 7, representatives from the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association (MURA) and The Olive Exchange (TOE) met with Subcouncil 12 chairperson Solomon Philander to discuss plans for the 50th anniversary celebrations. The collaboration aims to recognise the pioneers who built Mitchell’s Plain from the ground up while celebrating the resilience, achievements, and diversity of its people over the past five decades.

“The 50th anniversary of Mitchell’s Plain is not just a milestone for a few — it’s a collective celebration that belongs to all residents, organisations, and sectors of our community,” said MURA deputy chairperson Norman Jantjes.

He emphasised the importance of broad community participation, urging local institutions to share their stories and contribute to the celebration’s planning.

“We want to hear from every organisation their history, lessons learned, challenges faced, and successes achieved,” he said. “This is about building pride in Mitchell’s Plain, strengthening community connections, and promoting unity instead of crime and gangsterism. Every sector has a role to play in showcasing the milestones, successes, and even the struggles that shaped who we are.”

Both MURA and The Olive Exchange are calling on all Mitchell’s Plain-based organisations, including businesses, safety forums, schools, sports clubs, arts and culture groups, youth organisations, and faith-based bodies, to participate in shaping this landmark celebration.

“Your unique voice and contribution are essential to crafting a celebration that truly reflects the spirit of our community,” said the organisers. “This anniversary must be inclusive — a reflection of every resident who calls Mitchell’s Plain home.”

Mr Jantjes added that MURA remains committed to addressing ongoing challenges, including safety, service delivery, and community development, and that the anniversary provides a timely opportunity to strengthen civic unity.

The Mitchells Plain Entrepreneurs Hub, led by founder Lucretia Jardini, has also joined the initiative. Ms Jardini welcomed the collaboration, describing the 50th anniversary as “a platform to connect local businesses, leaders, and residents around a shared vision of growth, collaboration, and pride.”

“The 50th anniversary of Mitchell’s Plain is more than just a celebration of time — it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community spirit,” said Jardini. “It’s a chance to honour the pioneers who built this community from the sand dunes up while empowering a new generation of dreamers and doers.”

The Olive Exchange and MURA plan to curate a series of educational, cultural, and sporting events in the lead-up to 2026. These will celebrate Mitchell’s Plain’s history of resistance and community building while also looking forward to the next 50 years. Their shared goals include inspiring community-wide participation, restoring pride, promoting social cohesion, and recognising individuals and organisations who have made lasting contributions to the area.

Founded by Mitchell’s Plain-born social entrepreneur, journalist, and author Dr Alicia English, The Olive Exchange specialises in storytelling that amplifies local voices and preserves the community’s history through literature and media. TOE will use its publishing and communication platforms to document and share the various 50th anniversary activities, ensuring residents, especially young people, can engage with and learn from the stories that shaped their community.

The story of Mitchell’s Plain is one of transformation: from a community uprooted and relocated to the sand dunes during apartheid’s forced removals to one that has become a vibrant, dynamic hub of culture, enterprise, and activism.

As preparations for the golden jubilee gather momentum, residents and organisations are encouraged to get involved, contribute their stories, and help shape a celebration that reflects the true spirit of Mitchell’s Plain, a community that continues to rise, rebuild, and reimagine itself.

For more information or to stay updated on anniversary events and stakeholder engagements, email alicia@oliveexchange.co.za.