Rocklands Community Hall declared a heritage site

On 20 August 2019, the 36th anniversary of the founding of the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Rocklands Community Hall, located in Mitchell’s Plain,Cape Town, was declared a provincial heritage site. The newly instated heritage site, legally known as Erf 11553, also encompasses the Memorial Square, the library and the Community Healthcare Centre. 

The Rocklands Community Hall is significant as the birthplace of the UDF. On 20 August 1983, over 4000 people gathered inside the hall where various speakers took to the stage. Allan Boesak was the keynote speaker. Under the slogan, ‘UDF unites, apartheid divides’, the UDF and the speakers emphasised the importance of unity among various political, religious, cultural and grassroots organisations against apartheid. The date for the UDF’s launch was chosen in response to the Tricameral Parliament which was to be established in the same month by the apartheid government. The Tricameral Parliament allowed for limited parliamentary representation for Coloureds and Indians, whilst still excluding Blacks. 

The induction of the Rocklands Community Hall as a provincial heritage site was attended by various role-players in the UDF’s history, namely, Allan Boesak, Mohammed Valli Moosa and Cameron Dugmore. Keynote speaker for the event, Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marias, emphasised the hall as an important heritage asset which deserves the concerted efforts to conserve and protect. Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka, Head of Heritage Western Cape (HWC), stated that HWC was in discussions with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to have Erf 11553 declared a national heritage site.