Mitchell's Plain celebrates 50 years with reflection, hope, and community unity

The atmosphere at Highlands Primary School was electric as the Mitchell's Plain Legacy Project team hosted an interfaith thanksgiving service, marking the start of the suburb’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

On Thursday, February 12, residents, community leaders, and pupils gathered to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and discuss ongoing challenges facing one of Cape Town’s largest suburbs.

The service highlighted both triumphs and challenges. Norman Jantjes, deputy chairperson of the Mitchell's Plain United Residents Association (MURA), recalled the suburb’s origins.

“Many came from Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, and other areas. It was said this was a space we came to for a better life. I remember sand blowing through doors and yards, and the kombies that served as mobile stores. You could get lost because all the houses looked the same,” he said.

The service also remembered darker moments in Mitchell's Plain’s history, including high-profile crimes that made national and world news. These included the infamous Station Strangler, Sandra Smith, the last woman to be hanged in South Africa for the murder of Jermaine Abrahams, 16, and the discovery of a woman’s body hidden in the ceiling in Lentegeur. These events reminded the community of its complex past, he said.

Reverend Gail Manouk, from the Christian fraternal, spoke of growing up in Mitchell's Plain during apartheid.

“I paid 11 cents for the bus to Nyanga station, travelling to school. It felt safe back then. We had house parties because there were no other venues. My family helped start the first lawn bowling club, which no longer exists; the land is now Westridge Gardens,” she said.

Moulana Tawfeeq Ely from the Islamic Fraternal joined the reflections, while Dr Mohamed Ikbal Salwary, Lentegeur pharmacist serving the community for 45 years, emphasised the need for urban renewal and accessible education.

“Mitchell's Plain has grown to more than a million people. We also need tertiary education close to home. This would be our next challenge,” he said.

Sports and youth development were also highlighted. Mr Jantjes noted the lack of facilities in Eastridge and the importance of underdeveloped sports codes, including the absence of an indoor swimming pool, athletics track, and more.

“We must work together. Differences exist, but unity is key if we are to address crime and unemployment.”

David Marthinus, acting deputy chief education specialist for management and governance for Metro South Education District, spoke about school enrichment and involving pupils in remembering the community’s past, while Michael Jacobs, chairperson for Lentegeur Community Police Forum (CPF), warned of ongoing safety concerns.

“We mustn’t be afraid to mention the challenges our homes, schools, and children face. We need interventions, more police, and inclusive safety programmes. A new police station will open in Tafelsig soon,” he said.

The service included performances by Yellowwood and Perseverance primary schools, Mizpah Educare in Beacon Valley, and a song written by former Strandfontein Ratepayers chairperson Mario Oostendurp, celebrating Mitchells Plain’s history.

The celebrations continue with ongoing events, including a meeting on Thursday, February 19, at Westridge Library at 9.30am. Residents are also invited to submit a logo and slogan representing Mitchell's Plain with the Legacy Project, with R500 awarded to the winning entry.

For more information, contact Dr. Alicia English via email alicia@oliveexchange.co.za.