Hidden within the University of Cape Town’s Upper Campus stands the Centlivres Building. A place not just of bricks and mortar, but of legacies and whispers of history. The Centlivres Building, named after Albert van der Sandt Centlivres, echoes with the spirit of a man who dedicated his life to upholding justice and academic freedom. Centlivres, a brilliant legal mind, served as Chief Justice of South Africa and, importantly for this building, as Chancellor of UCT. His tenure, from 1951 to 1966, was marked by turbulent times in South Africa’s history. Centlivres, a staunch believer in individual liberty, fought tirelessly against discriminatory legislation. He championed the independence of universities, leading UCT in protests against the 1959 Extension of University Education Act. Imagine the scene: students and staff, clad in academic dress, marching through the city streets, their voices rising in unison against injustice. This building, named in his honor, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment. The Centlivres Building, originally intended to house the Faculties of Sociology and Architecture, continues to be a hub of academic activity. It is a physical reminder of Centlivres’s legacy, his pursuit of justice, and his belief in the power of education. As you stand before the Centlivres Building, remember the man whose name it bears, a man who fought for freedom and the pursuit of knowledge.
Miller’s Point
Tucked away on the False Bay coast, about 5 kilometers south of Simon’s Town, lies Miller’s Point. It’s a narrow