An Ethnographic Study on Heritage Preservation in Bo-Kaap

This research paper analyses the culture and community in Bo-Kaap, which is battling to preserve its heritage amid growing gentrification. Gentrification in this area is analysed as a special case in point, as although gentrification is happening in other neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Bo-Kaap is the home of Islam in South Africa, and is geographically set in a prime location of the city. This research paper includes an ethnographic study, as well as a photographic essay and a podcast series which supports the research in creative forms.The researcher interviewed several people from the area to discern the culture and the issues faced by the community. This paper examines the ethnographic lived experience of the researcher, as well as that of a local family. Three main events are examined to provide insight into the culture and community, namely an AirBnb traditional cooking experience, Eid AlAdha and the visit to the area by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The findings of this paper show that significant changes have and continue to occur, although the community is resilient in their efforts to preserve the culture. This research aims to provide additional and alternative records of the culture of the community as it stands in present day, in a holistic research effort. It also showcases the importance of the rich culture of the community which society needs to ensure is preserved.

Grantor

Centre for Film and Media Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Correia, Shannon

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Haupt, Adam

• Bo-Kaap
• Gentrification
• Heritage
• Islam
• Culture

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32557

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/32557