Bo Kaap is colourful neighbourhood formerly known as the Malay Quarter. Its streets are all cobblestoned and feel pretty romantic (even considering the areas chequered history), while the brightly hued homes are a treat to photograph.

Like much of South African history, its past is steeped in segregation. The suburb was originally populated by 17th century freed Cape Malay slaves. In what we could lightly describe the world’s worst Strata Agreement, the residents homes had to maintain an all-white facade. When the country shifted into transition the Bo-Kaap locals made their feelings known by proudly multi-hue-ing the neighbourhood as a nod to the various cultures that call it home.

The Bo Kaap of now is now a highly coveted area with wealthy foreigners snatching up homes faster than it takes them to open a tin of Dulux. Which is fine, as long as the paint in that tin is anything but white (seriously, bland colours are actually not allowed).

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Meg & Dom

Tags: Cape Town, South Africa

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