Cape Town in 1829

Abstract

After the British occupation (1806) the population of Cape Town had grown slowly; by 1829 the mother-city had more than 18 000 inhabitants comprising influential English traders, Dutch-speaking persons, Free Blacks and slaves. The general hygiene of the town was bad while health services left much to be desired. Living conditions of Poor Whites and Free Blacks were most unsatisfactory and had been aggravated by poverty, poor housing, diseases, and even epidemics. Ordinance 50, promulgated in 1828, placed the indigenous peoples on an equal footing with their European counterparts and integration was also socially acceptable. Yet the society was still dependent on a system of slavery and racial differentiation was still appreciable. The inadequate harbour facilities also retarded trade and general progress. Streets were dusty and unlit and the open canals ("grachts") were in a filthy and insanitary state. A few tiny suburbs (e.g. Sea Point and Wynberg) existed at this stage; local government in Cape Town was exercised by a government appointed magistrate and officials. A Supreme Court was created and in 1829 ten advocates and eleven attorneys practised in Cape Town. In contrast to the relatively poor social conditions, inhabitants enjoyed the benefits of ample educational and religious facilities. The cultural life of Cape Town flourished and fair provision was made for entertainment and recreation. By 1829 Cape Town was indeed a town beginning to develop a new character, mainly as a result of the influence of British immigrants.