• Archives
  • Contact Us
  • Distribution
  • Advertising
  • Membership
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Muslim Views

  • News
    • All
    • Community
    • Featured
    • International
    • National
    Hajj of the heart

    Hajj of the heart

    Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

    Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

    Reflections on the Cape Town International Islamic Finance Conference 2022

    Reflections on the Cape Town International Islamic Finance Conference 2022

    Bonteheuwel High School to host several events to mark Youth Month

    Bonteheuwel High School to host several events to mark Youth Month

    Roundtable puts Arabic on the local map

    Roundtable puts Arabic on the local map

    The activist who cared for the needy

    The activist who cared for the needy

    Trending Tags

    • Finance
    • Features
      • All
      • Arts
      • Awqaf
      • Books
      • Discussions with Dangor
      • Family
      • From Consciousness to Contentment
      • Health File
      • Hungry for Halaal
      • In Memoriam
      • Motoring
      • Sport
      • Survivor's Blog

      Refugees and the internally-displaced: the forgotten people of the ummah

      How Mufti Taha Karaan inspired a master calligrapher

      How Mufti Taha Karaan inspired a master calligrapher

      The activist who cared for the needy

      The activist who cared for the needy

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

      The long wudu

      The long wudu

      Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

      Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

      Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

      Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

      Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

      Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

      Muhammad Bin Salman a threat to Islamic values

      Muhammad Bin Salman a threat to Islamic values

    • Living Islam
      • All
      • Eid-ul-Adha
      • Eid-ul-Fitr
      • Hajj Stories
      • Light from the Quran
      • Moulood-un-Nabi
      • Quran
      • Ramadaan
      Hajj of the heart

      Hajj of the heart

      The long wudu

      The long wudu

      Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

      Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

      Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

      Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

      Ramadaan: pursuing taqwa through tazkiyah

      Ramadaan: pursuing taqwa through tazkiyah

      The Holy Quran, Our Salvation: Ramadaan reflections

      The Holy Quran, Our Salvation: Ramadaan reflections

      Taking control of your life this Ramadaan

      Taking control of your life this Ramadaan

      Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

      Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

      Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

      Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

    • Opinion
      • All
      • Editorial
      • Guest Writer
      • Letters to the editor
      Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

      Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

      Standing in solidarity with Dr Sizer

      Standing in solidarity with Dr Sizer

      The place of Cape Town in a burning South Africa

      The place of Cape Town in a burning South Africa

      The hijab ban ruling in India: courts used as political instruments

      The hijab ban ruling in India: courts used as political instruments

      Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

      Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

      The nation’s sister

      The nation’s sister

      The fight for a more equal and just America to fulfill MLK’s dream

      The fight for a more equal and just America to fulfill MLK’s dream

      Hamas tells UK: ‘Your decision is a crime against the oppressed’

      Hamas tells UK: ‘Your decision is a crime against the oppressed’

    • About Us

      About Us

      Advertising

      Newpaper Archives

      LEGAL

      Terms & Conditions

      Privacy Policy

    No Result
    View All Result

    No products in the cart.

    • News
      • All
      • Community
      • Featured
      • International
      • National
      Hajj of the heart

      Hajj of the heart

      Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

      Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

      Reflections on the Cape Town International Islamic Finance Conference 2022

      Reflections on the Cape Town International Islamic Finance Conference 2022

      Bonteheuwel High School to host several events to mark Youth Month

      Bonteheuwel High School to host several events to mark Youth Month

      Roundtable puts Arabic on the local map

      Roundtable puts Arabic on the local map

      The activist who cared for the needy

      The activist who cared for the needy

      Trending Tags

      • Finance
      • Features
        • All
        • Arts
        • Awqaf
        • Books
        • Discussions with Dangor
        • Family
        • From Consciousness to Contentment
        • Health File
        • Hungry for Halaal
        • In Memoriam
        • Motoring
        • Sport
        • Survivor's Blog

        Refugees and the internally-displaced: the forgotten people of the ummah

        How Mufti Taha Karaan inspired a master calligrapher

        How Mufti Taha Karaan inspired a master calligrapher

        The activist who cared for the needy

        The activist who cared for the needy

        Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

        Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

        The long wudu

        The long wudu

        Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

        Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

        Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

        Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

        Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

        Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

        Muhammad Bin Salman a threat to Islamic values

        Muhammad Bin Salman a threat to Islamic values

      • Living Islam
        • All
        • Eid-ul-Adha
        • Eid-ul-Fitr
        • Hajj Stories
        • Light from the Quran
        • Moulood-un-Nabi
        • Quran
        • Ramadaan
        Hajj of the heart

        Hajj of the heart

        The long wudu

        The long wudu

        Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

        Exercise guidelines for Ramadaan

        Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

        Perspectives on physical and mental health during Ramadaan

        Ramadaan: pursuing taqwa through tazkiyah

        Ramadaan: pursuing taqwa through tazkiyah

        The Holy Quran, Our Salvation: Ramadaan reflections

        The Holy Quran, Our Salvation: Ramadaan reflections

        Taking control of your life this Ramadaan

        Taking control of your life this Ramadaan

        Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

        Supporting breastfeeding during Ramadaan

        Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

        Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

      • Opinion
        • All
        • Editorial
        • Guest Writer
        • Letters to the editor
        Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

        Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

        Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

        Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

        Standing in solidarity with Dr Sizer

        Standing in solidarity with Dr Sizer

        The place of Cape Town in a burning South Africa

        The place of Cape Town in a burning South Africa

        The hijab ban ruling in India: courts used as political instruments

        The hijab ban ruling in India: courts used as political instruments

        Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

        Stop the march of intolerance and incivility

        The nation’s sister

        The nation’s sister

        The fight for a more equal and just America to fulfill MLK’s dream

        The fight for a more equal and just America to fulfill MLK’s dream

        Hamas tells UK: ‘Your decision is a crime against the oppressed’

        Hamas tells UK: ‘Your decision is a crime against the oppressed’

      • About Us

        About Us

        Advertising

        Newpaper Archives

        LEGAL

        Terms & Conditions

        Privacy Policy

      No Result
      View All Result
      Muslim Views
      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Living Islam
      • Features
      • Opinion
      • Finance
      • Imam Haron
      Home Features Books

      Book captures memories of D6 through thoughts and images

      July 30, 2021
      in Books
      Reading Time: 6 mins read
      A A
      Book captures memories of D6 through thoughts and images
      Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on Email

      THE origins of the hardcover book, District Six – Memories, Thoughts and Images, which MARTIN GRESHOFF edited, goes back to a series of photographs, taken by his late uncle, Jan Greshoff, in the early and mid-1970s.

      MY uncle, Jan Greshoff, was an architect who worked in Cape Town during the 60s to the 80s. He was a private and modest man, and didn’t talk much about his photography. Jan had no children and it was only after he died and his wife passed his archive of negatives on to us, his nephews and niece, that we discovered the full extent of his archive. His photographs covered many areas around Cape Town, including District Six.

      In common with many architects, Jan was always a keen photographer and his profession certainly informed his work and his interest in his environment. He was a very close friend of Jansje Wissema, who was commissioned to photograph District Six for the South African Institute of Architects at roughly the same time that Jan was photographing the area. Their projects fed off each other to some extent.

      Ben and Helen Kies, both teachers at District Six schools, namely, Trafalgar High School and Harold Cressy High School, respectively, were also friends of Jan, and this may also have had an impact on his photographs of District Six, in particular. Aside from this, he was aware that Cape Town was changing and certainly wanted to document this change.

      In his lifetime, he did not publish or use his photographs, and it was only in 1996 that he donated some 800 images to the then newly-founded District Six Museum. They were exhibited by the museum in the same year. Jan died in 2007.

      My interest in the District Six and Bo Kaap community was sparked by Jan’s photographs. Just prior to leaving South Africa, in 1980, and inspired by Jan, I took a number of photos of Bo-Kaap. The forced removals of the diverse population of District Six, and the demolition of most of the area had taken place by then.

      Later, I began reading books on District Six and continue to do so. However, it is the first-hand accounts of life in the area that are the most powerful. In 2014, I started a Facebook page so his photographs could be seen by the communities which he photographed – https://www.facebook.com/Jan.Greshoffs.Photographs . It was through responses and comments made about the photos on this forum that it became clear that Jan’s District Six images provoked many memories and emotions.

      The junction of Longmarket, Hanover, Tennant and Upper Darling Streets, District Six. This photograph by Jan Greshoff appears on the back cover of the book capturing the thoughts and images of District Six. (Photo SUPPLIED)

      Jan’s District Six photographs in particular stirred strong feelings and memories. Many comments related to the way of living, a cohesive, multi-ethnic society, the ‘spirit’ of District Six, memories of District Six characters, childhood games, physical places, such as the shops, bioscopes and streets.

      Feelings of anger were also expressed in relation to the Group Areas Act and subsequent forced removals from District Six. Feelings of frustration and anger were also expressed in relation to the painfully slow restitution process.

      It was through these comments made in response to the photographs and a discussion with an ex-District Six resident that the idea of recording these stories in more depth came about. It felt important that these memories of an area no longer in existence were captured and preserved for the future, that what happened to District Six was not forgotten and the memory of District Six was kept alive.

      I am aware that the District Six Museum is very involved in recording oral histories and working with the memories of ex-residents, which is important and vital work. The idea was to give those who may not have thought about telling their stories an opportunity to do so and create a tangible record for future generations.

      Initially, there was some discussion whether this should be an online publication opposed to a printed book. I felt strongly that a printed version would be more accessible to the older generation without computer skills. I placed a notice in various District Six groups on social media and approached ex-residents who had commented on photographs, and enquired whether they would like to write a piece.

      On the whole, the response was very positive. Guidelines were drawn up and a deadline set for submissions. Jan’s photographs would be mainly used to illustrate the memoirs plus a few offered by another photographer, Rudolf Ryser, but it was the stories and memoirs, which I feel are the main focus.

      As the deadline approached, it soon became clear that most people would not meet it and I decided to abandon the idea of deadlines – it would take as long as it takes. During this time, many people who were initially interested in submitting stories dropped out for various reasons. I had a target of 50 contributors in mind so the writers involved and I worked hard to find replacement writers for those who had dropped out.

      In the end, 63 ex-District Six residents and those who had a connection to District Six but may not have lived there submitted memoirs and poetry. Obviously, the stories which have been submitted are but a small fraction of the stories to be told. The foreword was written by Bonita Bennett, the former director of the District Six Museum, and Professor Crain Soudien contributed a piece on the history of District Six. Sadly, four of the contributors have passed away since the project started.

      In April 2016, I visited Cape Town to do some work with a small group of ex- residents on identifying some of the unknown District Six locations featured in Jan’s District Six photographs so that they could be matched to stories. The District Six Museum was supportive in providing a venue for the identification meetings and providing access to the images Jan had donated to the museum.

      The museum organised a workshop with some on those involved with the project while I was in Cape Town. This was an opportunity to meet some of those who had submitted stories. I was struck by the warmth and the bond that existed between the ex-District Six residents I met even though they had not necessarily met before. This bond is also very evident through comments made in the District Six groups on social media. Some of the contributors commented that writing their stories helped with processing the pain and anger of being forcibly removed from District Six.

      The editing process has been done in a collaborative way with each of the contributors. The stories are theirs and it felt important that they were a part of this process. I received assistance from my subeditor, Marge Clouts, for which I am very grateful. Besides the personal memoirs there are also a number of poems featured in the book.

      My brother-in-law, Charles Abbott, who is based in Cape Town, has done a great job of designing the book and co-ordinating the printing. Everyone involved with producing the book has given their time freely, without expecting to benefit financially from the project. The printing was funded by generous donations from The Simon van der Stel Foundation, The Historical Society of Cape Town, ABC Press as well as many individuals. The book will have a limited print run.

      All the money generated from the sales of this book will be donated to the District Six Museum to support their valuable work in preserving, archiving the history, memories and forced removals from District Six and other areas.

      The whole process of producing a book was new to me and I have learnt a lot. It has taken far longer than I anticipated as I have worked on it for the past six years and I had no idea that it would dominate my life and be so time-consuming. Sadly, as mentioned earlier, four of the contributors have passed away since the start of the project.

      In terms of this book, I don’t feel that my background is relevant as it is the memoirs that have been submitted which are the important part of this project. But by way of a short biography, I was born in Cape Town, grew up in Rondebosch and attended Westerford High School. I was very aware of District Six while growing up in Cape Town although I never visited the area.

      I left South Africa in 1980 to avoid doing compulsory military service, where I would be fighting for, supporting and upholding the apartheid government. I moved to the United Kingdom, where I studied furniture design and making. I also work in the mental health services and currently live in South London.

      After reading and editing the memoirs, it is very clear that District Six, its vibrancy, mix of cultures and religions are very meaningful and important to the contributors as well as the wider District Six community. Many contributors recall happy times and childhood games but at the same time there is a constant reminder of the impact that the apartheid government’s cruel and unjust policy of forced removals had on the residents and communities of District Six as well as other areas. Many also talk about the trauma of forced removals and the demolition of District Six.

      The intention is that this book will complement the important work being done by the District Six Museum as well as raise funds for the museum. I continue to attempt to keep the memory of District Six alive in my active role of administrator of a District Six group on social media.

      The book is available from the District Six Museum (25a Buitenkant Street), Timbuktu Books (19 Golf Course Rd, Sybrand Park), Select Books (56 Surrey Street, Claremont), Clarkes (199 Long Street), The Book Lounge (71 Roeland Street) and Bokmakiri Books (Swellendam).

      Featured image: The cover image of the latest book on District Six which features photographs of the area during the 1970s with poems and memories of people who lived there or were connected to District Six. (Image SUPPLIED)

      Tags: Ben KiesDistrict SixDistrict Six MuseumHelen KiesJan GreshoffMartin Greshoff
      Previous Post

      The latest edition of Muslim Views – May 2021 / Shawwaal 1442

      Next Post

      Could the aftermath of the lockdown be used to spark renewal?

      Related Posts

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik
      Books

      Book Review: Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Malik

      June 30, 2022
      Reading Be Careful with Muhammad thirty years later
      Books

      Reading Be Careful with Muhammad thirty years later

      October 20, 2021
      ‘Come to prayer, come to success’
      Books

      ‘Come to prayer, come to success’

      August 23, 2021
      Next Post
      Could the aftermath of the lockdown be used to spark renewal?

      Could the aftermath of the lockdown be used to spark renewal?

      Latest News

      Eid-ul-Adha

      Hajj of the heart

      June 30, 2022
      Featured

      Dudula Movement exposes systemic failure and lack of civic education and political literacy

      June 10, 2022
      Featured

      Reflections on the Cape Town International Islamic Finance Conference 2022

      June 9, 2022
      Discussions with Dangor

      Refugees and the internally-displaced: the forgotten people of the ummah

      June 8, 2022

      Browse by Tags

      gender based violence Seraj Hendricks NPA Stellenbosch University GBV Sulaiman Nordien Sanzaf sexual abuse Palestine COVID-19 Imam Haron Prophet Muhammad Steve Biko Shaikh Seraj Eid-ul-Fitr
      Muslim Views Logo
      GET IN TOUCH

      About Us

      Contact Us

      Newspaper Archives

      Terms & Conditions

      Privacy Policy

      WEBSITE SITEMAP

      NEWS

      National

      Local

      Community

      International

      BUSINESS

      Focus on Finance

      FEATURES

      Arts for All

      AWQAF

      Discussions with Dangor

      From Consciousness to Contentment

      Family

      Fusion Lifestyle

      Health File

      Hungry for Halaal

      In Memoriam

      Motoring

      Sport

      Survivor's Blog

      LIVING ISLAM

      Ramadaan

      Eid-ul-Fitr

      Hajj Stories

      Eid-ul-Adha

      Moulood-un-Nabi

      Quran

      Sunnah

      Hadith

      Light from the Quran

      OPINIONS & ANALYSIS

      Editorial

      Guest Writers

      Letter to the Editor

      © Muslim Views 2021. All Rights Reserved
      Website Developed by: Icon Designs
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • Finance
        • Focus on Finance
      • Features
        • Arts
        • Awqaf
        • Discussions with Dangor
        • From Consciousness to Contentment
        • Fusion Lifestyle
        • Health File
        • Hungry for Halaal
        • In Memoriam
        • Motoring
        • Sport
        • Survivor’s Blog
      • Living Islam
        • Eid-ul-Adha
        • Eid-ul-Fitr
        • Family
        • Hadith
        • Hajj Stories
        • Light from the Quran
        • Moulood-un-Nabi
        • Quran
        • Ramadaan
        • Sunnah
      • News
        • Community
        • International
        • National
      • Opinion & Analysis
        • Editorial
        • Guest Writer
        • Letters to the editor
      • Print Archives
      • About Us
      • Contact Us

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
      Cookie SettingsAccept All
      Manage consent

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled
      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
      CookieDurationDescription
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
      viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
      Functional
      Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
      Performance
      Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
      Analytics
      Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
      Advertisement
      Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
      Others
      Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
      SAVE & ACCEPT

      Add New Playlist

      Are you sure want to unlock this post?
      Unlock left : 0
      Are you sure want to cancel subscription?