A series of events will be held in Cape Town this week to mark the 516th anniversary of the Battle of Salt River, which took place on 1 March 1510. The commemorations will conclude with the 11th Annual Victory Parade through the Cape Town CBD.
The programme forms part of Roots, Culture, Heritage and Decolonisation (RCHD) Week, organised by the Adwa Movement and various community stakeholders.
The Battle of Salt River resulted in the death of Portuguese explorer Francisco de Almeida, who had been appointed the first Viceroy of Portuguese India in the early 16th century. Almeida was killed during a confrontation with Khoi warriors after docking at the Cape while returning from India.
Ras Hein Scheepers, Public Relations Officer of the Adwa Movement, told VOC news that the commemoration highlights what organisers describe as one of the earliest recorded instances of Indigenous resistance to European expansion at the Cape.
“It represents an early moment of resistance to European domination,” Scheepers said.
He added that the week aims to address what organisers view as the historical marginalisation of Khoi and San identities.
“There has been cultural suppression and historical erasure over centuries. This platform creates space to reflect on identity, heritage and memory,” he said.
Events begin on Thursday with a panel discussion reflecting on the legacy of the Berlin Conference. Film screenings and a music concert will follow on Friday.
On Saturday, a public lecture at the University of the Western Cape will examine the significance of historic African battles, including Salt River. A traditional Khoi-San healing ceremony is also scheduled to take place at the Castle of Good Hope.
The programme will conclude on Sunday with a march through the city centre, where participants will commemorate the Khoi warriors who fought in the 1510 conflict.
Photo: Screenshot
