The Philippi Museum 2.23

In 1877 and 1883, groups of German immigrants were settled on the Cape Flats. The first group was meant for the Eastern Cape, but due to border wars, they had to land in Table Bay. The then British Government allotted ground for them on the barren Cape Flats. After a few years, the "desert" was a flourishing garden.

The government decided to recruit more settlers in order to supply growing Cape Town with fresh produce, specifically vegetables. The settlers were recruited from the Lüneburger Heide, a heath landscape in Northern Germany. The plan was successful. The Cape Flats, which up until that time, was useless, became a green vegetable garden.

Today, the descendants are still farming in Philippi, albeit in a much smaller area. As is the case in all cities, arable land is being consumed by housing schemes. The remaining 13 square kilometers however, produces more than 80% of vegetables for the Cape Fresh Produce Market.

The Philippi Museum was established in 1983 as part of the centenary celebrations of the community. The museum is housed in a part of the old Deutsche Schule (German School) on the grounds of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Philippi. The church, built in 1893, the cemetery, hall and two memorials, are also on the grounds, which lies on a hill (the remainder of a dune), which is known as Zionshügel (Sion's Hill).

The museum may be visited by appointment only. Please contact the church on 021-703-3782 to arrange a tour.