Towns and suburbs

Zonnebloem

Zonnebloem is a central Cape Town suburb, located near District Six and Bo-Kaap. The area is primarily residential, with historic significance and convenient access to central Cape Town, schools, and public transport.

Zonnebloem is situated in central Cape Town, Western Cape, bordered by District Six to the west and Bo-Kaap to the north-east. The suburb lies close to Adderley Street and the N2, providing quick access to the city centre and surrounding areas. Zonnebloem combines residential streets with historic sites and nearby amenities, making it a practical location for residents and visitors alike.

History of Zonnebloem

Accommodation needed for freed slaves

Zonnebloem is Dutch for sunflower. The area now known as Zonnebloem was a farming estate until the early 1800s. As the city grew, so did the need for accommodation. Many of the slaves freed after 1833 were labourers, artisans, artists, native Africans and immigrants. There were also Malay people, brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company, who made the area their home. In 1867, the area was named the sixth municipal district (District Six) of Cape Town. By the turn of the century, it was a lively community made up of a cosmopolitan mix of people and cultures,

Multiculturalism in District Six

. District six was an area where many diverse people settled. This included freed slaves. These people of all colours and cultures lived side by side. At the time, about one tenth of Cape Town’s population was living here.

Relocation

As the city grew, wealthier residents felt that District Six was an eyesore and a health hazard. An outbreak of Bubonic plague in 1901 gave officials an excuse to forcibly relocate mostly black and coloured people to areas further away. Despite this, the area retained its character until 1966 when it was declared a “whites-only” area by the apartheid government. It took 15 years for the government to forcibly remove 60,000 residents from District Six. 1 800 homes were razed to the ground, and a diverse community was destroyed. Most of these people were relocated to areas on the Cape Flats.  Places of worship in the area were left untouched, but the area became a bit of a derelict dustbowl for some time. Later, Zonneblom was established.

Since 1994, the government has officially recognised the need for restitution and pledged to support rebuilding.

The postal code for Zonneblom is 7925 

Transport

is served by  MyCiTi Bus,  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 Zonnebloem

  • The District Six Museum opened in 1994 after 5 years of planning. Here, not only events and stories of the painful times are recorded, but also records of the times before the removals. There are many interesting pictures and artefacts on display

Resources

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

WEATHER TODAY IN ZONNEBLOM

Browse businesses and places to visit in Zonnebloem

 

Useful Numbers in Zonnebloem

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

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Cape Town Central: 021 467 8078
  • Fire: Central fire station. 021 444 8963
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital/clinic; District six community health:021 833 5400

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0860 656 463
  • Electricity: 0860 656 463

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Gallows Hill traffic department: 021 444 3811

  • Community & Safety

  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: Grassy Park 021700 4140

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; Cape town central; 021 4641707
  • Museum District six museum: 021 466 7200

  • Schools in Zonnebloem

  • Zonnebloem Nest  – 021 461 5308
  • Harold Cressy High;  021 461 3810
  • Chapel Street Primary School – 021 465 4107
  • Zonnebloem Boys Primary School – 021 465 4260
  • Zonnebloem Girls Prac. School Cambridge Street – 0214654481
  • 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
  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

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