What Cape Town looked like in the 1950s through these Fascinating Vintage Photos

The 1950s was a period of complexity in South Africa, hallmarked by the harsh realities of apartheid rule that commenced in 1948. As one of the principal cities, Cape Town was no stranger to these realities. The city was segregated, with different ethnic groups forced to live in separate locations. Despite these stark circumstances, Cape Town remained a bustling, vibrant city, teeming with life and echoing with the constant hum of activity.

The city presented a stark picture of contrasts. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town‘s natural beauty was awe-inspiring. Its picturesque landscapes and pristine beaches made it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Conversely, the city’s heart was a vibrant blend of cultures, awash with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a diverse population.

Life in 1950s Cape Town offered a unique mix of traditional and modern elements. Although the city’s architecture began to reflect modern styles, its soul was deeply rooted in African tradition and colonial influences. The streets showcased a beautiful blend of Cape Dutch and Victorian-style buildings punctuated with modernist structures.

The city center bustled with vendors selling their goods, markets, and stalls offering everything from food and clothing to traditional African crafts. District Six was a lively area, with its ethnically diverse population adding a unique flavor to the city. Despite facing demolition due to apartheid laws in subsequent years, it remained a vibrant community in the 1950s.

Music and dance were integral facets of life in Cape Town. Jazz, particularly prevalent in areas like District Six, was incredibly popular. The local ‘Cape Jazz’ style, deeply influenced by traditional African music, American jazz, and the unique local ‘Kaapse Klopse’ music, started taking shape. The 1950s witnessed the rise of numerous talented musicians who played at local clubs and events and later achieved international acclaim.

Undoubtedly, the 1950s in Cape Town was a challenging period, defined by racial segregation and political unrest. However, it was also an era of vibrant cultural expression, resilience, and a prevailing sense of community. It is these facets of Cape Town in the 1950s that render this era truly captivating and deeply significant in the city’s rich and complex history. The following are some fascinating vintage photos that transport you back to the 1950s in Cape Town.

#1 Adderley street, 1950s

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#2 Greenmarket Square, 1950s

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#3 UCT Rag, 1954

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#4 Adderley street, 1955

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#5 St. George’s street, 1955

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#6 UCT Rag, 1955

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#7 Beach Cafe, Gordons Bay, 1957

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#8 New immigrants from America, 1957

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#9 Strand street, 1957

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#10 Adderley street, 1958

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#11 Beach Rd. Sea Point, 1958

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#12 Main Rd., Sea Point, 1958

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#13 Darling street, 1959

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#14 Cartwrights Corner, 1960

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#15 Unknown restaurant, 1960

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#16 Cape Town parade on January 1, 1950 during the New Year holiday wearing costumes inspired by American military uniforms of 19th century

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#17 St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral and the equestrian statue of Louis Botha on the corner of Roeland Street and Plein Street in the city of Cape Town, 1950s

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#18 Front view of the Groot Constantia wine estate, Capetown, 1952.

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#19 Stellenbosch Town Square, 1952

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#20 Cape Province Film Audience, 1952

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#21 Transkei Agricultural College, 1952

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#22 Farm workers pick bunches of grapes from vines at harvest time at a vineyard near the town of Paarl in Cape Town, 1950s

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#23 Red Sails restaurant, Hout Bay, 1955.

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#24 Foreshore 1957.

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#25 Muizenberg pavillion, 1953.

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#26 Camps Bay Service station, 1956.

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#27 Cultural History Museum, 1951.

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#28 ‘Flat Iron Building’, 1953. Situated in Adderley street where the Absa Centre is today it housed Messrs Thomson Watson & Co.

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#29 Traffic circle, Voortrekker road, 1951.

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#30 Sea Point Pool, c1958.

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#31 Sea Point 1958

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#32 Riebeeck Square , 1956.

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#33 Waterfall on Tafelberg Road, 1951

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#34 Waving goodbye from G berth, 1958

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#35 Wine farm Laborie, Paarl, 1953.

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#36 Ottery Motors, 1955.

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#37 Funeral procession in Darling street, 1957.

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#38 Paarl service station, 1950

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#39 Queuing for the bus at St Georges, 1955

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#40 University of C.T. annual RAG, 1954.

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#41 Floating repair dock, 1956

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#42 Gunners Circle, Epping, 1957

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#43 van Riebeeck festival(5) 1952

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#44 Main Rd., Paarl, 1952.

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#45 Main rd. Hermanus, 1955.

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#46 Swellendam Main street,1954

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#47 The Fireman’s Arms, 1951

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#48 Paarl school bus, 1952.

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#49 Paarl municipal swimming pool, 1952.

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#50 De Grendel, 1956.

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#51 Barren Foreshore, 1951.

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#52 Kloofnek Rd,Tamboerskloof, 1957.

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#53 Hêppie Nuwe Djaar!, 1950.

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#54 Opening of D F Malan Airport, 1955.

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#55 Victoria Basin 1955.

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#56 Twelve -for- a Bob, Adderley street, 1959

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#57 Metro Cinema, 1959. Corner Waterkant and St Georges streets.

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#58 Kings Hotel, Sea Point. 1959

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#59 Parking on the Foreshore, 1957.

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#60 Lower Cable Station, 1952.

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#61 Trolley busses in Adderley street, 1950

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#62 City Roofs, 1950.

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#63 At the foot of Adderly street was Monument station ( to the left of the JOKO TEA signboard) From here the rail tracks crossed Adderly street and ran along Dock road towards the old Power Station and Duncan Docks.

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#64 Cape Town’s “New” Airport,c1957.

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#65 The War memorial, 1956.

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#66 Culemborg goods yard, 1953.

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#67 Wale Street, 1954.

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#68 Adderley street, 1955.

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#69 St. George’s street, 1955. View from the corner of Dock Rd. and St. George’s street.

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#70 Darling street, 1950.

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#71 Adderley street, 1956.

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#72 View towards the Docks, 1957.

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#73 Perliament street 1959.

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#74 Main Road, Sea Point , 1958.

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#75 Strand street, 1957.

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#76 Hotel in the Mountains 1965.

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#77 Beach Rd, Sea Point 1957.

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#78 Du Toit’skloof Tunnel, March 1952.

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#79 Darling Street 1959.

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#80 Corner London and Main,Sea Point, 1950s

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#81 Church Square c1959.

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#82 Service station, Three Anchor Bay 1958.

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#83 Beach Rd., Sea Point 1959.

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#84 Fun Fair, Van Riebeeck Festival 1952.

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#85 Upper Buitenkant street, Dec. 1951.

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#86 Main Rd. Sea Point 1958

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#87 Beach Rd. Sea Point 1958.

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#88 Top-end of Adderley street, c1958.

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#89 Adderley street, 1959

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#90 Greenmarket Square. late 1950’s

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#91 Corner Hout and Adderley streets, 1952

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#92 Spin street, 1959. Church Square looking to Spin street.

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#93 Prestwich street area, 1951.

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#94 ‘The Round Shul’ 1952.

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#95 UCT Rag, Adderley street, 1951.

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#96 Muizenberg, 1951.

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#97 Adderley street, 1950s

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#98 Voortrekker Rd,Bellville, 1950s

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#99 Fletchers & Cartwright, 1953.

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#100 South Arm, Duncan Docks, 1957.

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#101 View from the O K Bazaars, 1952.

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#102 Adderley street, 1952.

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#103 Darling Street, 1953.

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#104 Colonial Mutual Building, 1959.

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#105 Grand Parade, 1954.

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#106 Sir Lowry’s Pass restaurant, 1955.

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#107 Chock-a-block on the Parade, 1952,

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#108 Church street, 1953.

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#109 New Station starting out, 1959.

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#110 Fish Hoek, 1950.

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#111 Fish Hoek, 1958.

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#112 Old Railway Station, 1953.

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#113 Christmas shoppers, 1953.

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#114 Mobilgas service station, 1954.

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#115 O.K. Bazaars Adderley street, 1953.

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#116 Greenmarket Square, 1950.

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#117 SABC Sea Point, 1959. Newly completed broadcast house on Beach Rd, Sea Point

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#118 The Castle, 1950

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#119 Adderley street, 1950

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#120 Greenmarket Square, 1951

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#121 Parliament street, 1951

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#122 Greenmarket Square, 1955

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#123 Van Riebeeck festival, 1952

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#124 Traffic cop in Adderley street, 1950s

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#125 Old Railway station, 1950s

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#126 Tourist train in the Docks, 1950s

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#127 Adderley street in 1955

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#128 Government Avenue. The bottom end of Government Avenue with its shady oaks form a perfect view on the hustle and bustle of Adderley Street.

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#129 Adderley street, 1950. Busy scene in Adderley street during 1950 with the brand new O. K. Bazaars (white building) standing tall.

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#130 Entrance to Kloof street, c1955.

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