Macassar

• Province: Western Cape
• Coordinates: 34.0522° S, 18.7542° E
• Area: 28.85 km2
• Municipality: City of Cape Town

Macassar is a coastal settlement located along False Bay in the Western Cape of South Africa. The town lies southeast of Somerset West and forms part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Macassar developed historically as a small fishing and coastal community and remains closely linked to the sea through traditional fishing activities and recreation along Macassar Beach. The surrounding area includes coastal dunes and conservation areas such as the nearby Helderberg Nature Reserve and wetlands along the Lourens River system. Today, Macassar functions mainly as a residential suburb with strong community ties while also providing access to the scenic coastline of False Bay.

History Macassar

This is a small, predominantly “coloured” town near Strand. It was named by Sheikh Yusuf (Tuanta Salamaka) of the Sultanate of Gowa, who was exiled there by the Dutch in 1694. The sheikh settled in the area. In the 19th century. Muslims had to practice their religion in secret. The sheikh’s followers were mainly local fishermen. He is said to be the founder of Islam in South Africa, and his kramat is one of the holiest places for Muslims in South Africa

According to Cape Muslim lore, there is an invisible, sacred boundary known as the “Circle of Saints” (Ring van Kramatte) that protects the Cape Peninsula from famine, plagues, and natural disasters. The anchor of this ring is the Kramat of Sheikh Yusuf. 

There is, however, a debate between South African and Indonesian historians regarding what is actually inside the Kramat. In 1705, the Sultan of Gowa successfully petitioned the Dutch to have Sheikh Yusuf’s remains exhumed and returned to his native island of Sulawesi for reburial. Eastern accounts claim his body was repatriated. But Cape oral tradition maintains that local followers intercepted the exhumation, meaning the remains are still resting there.

The Macassar Dunes Nature Reserve on Baden-Powell Drive is part of the vital dune system on the coast. It is an important Cape biodiversity area that includes fynbos and the last forest of the white milkwood tree (Sideroxylon inerme). These ancient, gnarled trees grow directly out of the coastal thickets and are protected by law, as they survive the sea spray and high winds

Read more about the story of the Cape Flats

The license plate prefix for Macassar is CA or CAA, and the postal codes  are 7130 (streets) and 7134 (boxes)

Transport

Macassar is served by Golden Arrow Bus Services and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Macassar

• The Macassar Dunes Nature Reserve, in Baden Powell Drive
• The Macassar resort has braai facilities, next to the Macassar Dunes Nature Conservation Area. Gates open at 8.30 on weekdays and are open till 16.30 and from 7.30 to 11.30 on Sundays
• Within the dunes area, there is an abandoned water park and pavilion. The park was built in the 1990s but had some financial issues and was abandoned. It is a photogenic “ghost” park covered in sand
• Musica Park Outdoor Gym  Musica Avenue

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Macassar

 

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

• Emergency Services

• Police: 021 857 7100
• Fire: -021 444 6790
• Ambulance: 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital; Clinic -021 857 2330
• Pharmacy; Day Hospital Pharmacy-021 857 2330

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality-021 850 4150
• Water: 0860 103 089
• Electricity:0860 103 089

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic Department: Helderberg Traffic Department-021 865 4521
• Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

• Community & Safety

• SPCA: Cape of Good Hope SPCA-021 700 4140
• Childline-116
• 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
• NSRI 087 094 9774

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Post office; 021 857 1167
• Old and new community halls: 021 850 4261
• Library: Closest-IkamvaYouth Nazeema Isaacs Library-021 362 6799

• Schools in Macassar

• Macassar Primary School-021 857 2400
• Marvin Park Primary School-062 843 2804
• Macassar Secondary School-021 857 1090
• Oklahoma Street Primary School-021 857 1610
• Zandvliet High School-021 857 1016

• Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
• The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 for all life or property-threatening emergencies. Call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K

Other Cape Flats towns and suburbs include: Athlone; Atlantis; Belhar; Blue Downs; Crawford; Eerste Rivier; Epping;  Grassy park; Hanover Park; Khayalitsha; Kuils River; Langa; Lansdowne; Lotus river;  Mannenberg; Mitchells Plain; Nyanga; Ottery;and Philippi