The remains of the old St Peters Church in South End.
This was a vibrant area with many races living happily together side by side. During the Apartheid era, in one of the many inhumane decisions taken at that time, it was demolished and the people relocated to racially divided areas. It is now covered with modern townhouse complexes, which surround this ruin.
I remember those trying times when they were filling up our evening news. I often wondered if it would ever be worked out before everything was destroyed and all the people killed.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice photograph but considering how it came about--not as nice as it should be.
I wanted to describe the White Porcelain Duck I photographed this morning. I did put a picture of it on my Birds Blog as it is a new species I think.
The stone work is wonderful and it must have been a beautiful church. I visited District Six in Cape Town several times on two different trips, and your photo and comments remind me of that tragedy, also. Thanks for sharing. I noticed that there is an absence of photos or comments re apartheid on other SA blogs so I thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteyes, Apartheid is certainly not something to be proud of, but it does need to be acknowledged and not glossed over as if it never happened. It has left lasting marks on the nation, and is an inescapable part of who we have all become. It would be dishonest to only post glowing views of the city without bringing a balance.
ReplyDeleteInteresting....love the remains of the building too.
ReplyDeleteWho decided to demolish the church?
ReplyDeleteI love South Africa. I have been to South Africa twice, in 2005 and 2006. Unfortunately enough it was hard for me to have real contacts with the population.