Commemorate Sophiatown this weekend
SOPHIATOWN - Join former residents and artists in commemorating the forced removals in Sophiatown on 8 and 9 February.
A ceremony is held on 9 February every year to mark the day in 1955 when forced removals began in Sophiatown.
Residents were removed to the newly created townships of Meadowlands and Lenasia.
The removals lasted seven years and some 65 000 people were displaced, changing the face of the city.
This year will mark the 59th year of that historic event and will be remembered in two special events on 8 an 9 February at the Sophiatown Heritage and Cultural Centre in Toby Street.
On 8 February at 11am, Struan Robertson’s photographic collection recording Sophiatown’s demise will be presented, and the exhibition will be opened by writer, poet and former Sophiatown resident Prof. Mongane Wally Serote.
In the other event, accredited guides Mbali Zwane and Victor Mokhine will host a special Walking Tour of Sophiatown at 12pm on 9 February.
The commemoration will include visits to heritage sites and residents talking about their experiences of this famous suburb.
Details: Rinkie 011 673 1271, www.sophiatown.net
