Hanover Park residents, who grew up in Oribi Court, gathered over the weekend to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their home which was initially built for coloured families who were relocated under the Group Areas Act.
The court has become overrun with gangs and drugs and resident Ebrahiem van Der Berg, 43, says after the death of an elderly resident, they came together to plan the reunion.
Ebrahiem explains: “I was born and raised in Oribi Court and my parents were among the people who were moved here from District Six all those years ago.
“We had a death in the court earlier this year and then we heard that the court would be 50 years old and we decided to come together to host a reunion and include all the original families, many who have since moved out of Hanover Park.”
On Saturday, residents hosted a bash in the court which included a modelling show and a braai.
“It was a great event and the Williams and Davids families along with resident Nazeema Scott came together and did all the catering.
“There were snacks and akhni and the community even came out and had a braai together.
“The aim of the event was not only to catch up with people, but over the years Oribi Court has become known for shootings and for our children that is all they know.
“We wanted to show them the legacy of the first families who occupied the court, about how even though people were relocated they came together as a community,” Ebrahiem says.