For the residents of Cape Town , The Castle of Good Hope signifies a period where land , dignity and rights were stripped from individuals by the colonialist forces.

Post apartheid, the Castle has seen many changes including hosting of numerous historical artefacts from the last 3 centuries.

Recently, an art exhibition displaying the history of the slaves was opened at the castle. Thousands of slaves were traded, tortured and incarcerated at the Castle during the colonial era. Amongst them Muslims from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Their presence gave birth to culturally rich and vibrant Cape Malay community on the slopes of Table Mountain.

As heritage day is celebrated in South Africa, the opportunity was used to showcase the diversity and the rich history that the community is built on.

With COVID19 lockdown being eased accross South Africa, Minstrels danced in the courtyard of the Castle and a Cape Malay choir sang traditional songs from the steps of the Old Governers building.

Attendee Mohamed Nordien, a community activist reflected on why the Heritage day is important to break the shackles of the past.

The heritage day event is collaboration between the Castle of Good Hope and the South African Academy for young leaders.

Ihsaan Higgins emphasised that despite the relatively small muslim community in South Africa, Muslims have played a big role in the fight against apartheid and rebuilding a new South Africa.