Paardevlei Social History
September 13 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
R400
Next to Somerset West, this area is full history and change. The buildings and landscape are highly maintained in one part, and in another unused and overgrown. Tourist guide, Dr Timothy Visser, has been studying it for years – he has lived nearby all his life.
Timothy gives context to the site. South Africa’s development from agricultural to industrial and now post-industrial, comes to life with his stories. Some of this history is uncomfortable, but important, to hear.
It is now prime residential land with its lakeside and mountain views. A new Checkers hypermarket opened in May 2024 by the private hospital. There is Herbert Baker and Francis Masey architecture in one section and old abandoned hostels in the other. A massive new film facility, budgeted at R900m,was announced during a visit by Alderman James Vos in December 2024, the City’s Mayco Member for Economic Growth.
Come and see it before there are too many more changes.
Saturday 13 September 2025
9h30 to 12h30
R300 per person paying a fortnight in advance ie by September, otherwise R400
Meet and finish at: Lorenzo Marx Coffee Bar Paardevlei
Unit G01
House of Amelie
14c De Beers Ave
Paardevlei, Cape Town, 7130
Do join us for lunch afterwards at Lorenzo Marx Cafe; menu here
Available as a private tour, just let me know dates
To book: kate@cultureconnectsa.com WhatsApp/phone +27 (0)72 377 8014
Images: Admin Block ex AECI (De Beers Explosive Works) Baker & Masey 1900 || Ex AECI Power Station 1903 || Culture Connectors 2022 || Old labour compound
