But there are also photos of a jazz band posing proudly and scenes which give a glimpse of a vibrant life in this shanty town named Lawaaikamp. At that time it was regarded as being situated on the outskirts of George.
This is a recent chapter in the history of George and it holds painful memories for many people. But despite this there are former residents of Lawaaikamp, like Asanda Hanase (29), who feel very at home and at peace in George.
"I am very happy here with my life with all the opportunities and hope that it has to offer," said Hanase simply while we talked in her coffee shop, Asanda's Garden Café, at the George Museum. She was given the opportunity to own the business after working there for seven years as a waitress. In that time she learnt to take stock and do bookkeeping. She glows with pride when she talks about baking cakes and serving delicious dishes in her shop. "People come here for the peace and quiet, to drink coffee and to read their library books."
Evictions
Although she was only three years old when the police came to evict her and her parents, Julia Georgina and the late Phatekile Hanase, from Lawaaikamp, Hanase remembers it well because police raids were frequent and scary. It had become a force of habit to start running when they spotted a police van.
"In 1986 we ended up in Lawaaikamp having been forcibly moved from Rosemore. I grew up in an environment where it was often very dangerous on the streets. There was a lot of toyi-toying and riots against the apartheid government." This turbulent period is lucidly described in a booklet entitled Lawaaikamp - A story of Resistance, produced by the South Cape Land Committee (SCLC), a non-governmental organisation, which was started to help people with their land claims.
Research
Most of the photos in the museum exhibition were supplied by SCLC and newspapers. According to Linda Labuschagne, a museum researcher with the Western Cape Museum Service, it took two years to complete the research work. "Since the exhibition opened, many family members have come forward to help identify the people in the photos, as many were untitled." Labuschagne invites everyone to come and have a look and write their comments in the visitor's book.
Asanda Hanase points to the photo in which she appeared as a toddler living in Lawaaikamp. With her is Museum Researcher, Linda Labuschagne who is gratified that residents have come forward to help identify the people in the photos which were supplied by the SCLC.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
