Was it truly an ocean view? The name Ocean View rings with irony. This township was formed in the late 1960s and 1970s. It happened during the Group Areas Act.
Ocean View is located about forty-five kilometers from Cape Town.
All coloured people were forcefully relocated here. They were moved from “white communities”. These communities included Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, and Noordhoek. Residents were removed from their seaside homes. They lost their views.
Ocean View’s history is embedded in apartheid. There is still much bitter resentment among many people. The coloured people have a unique heritage. They originate from the Khoi-San group. They also have slave ancestry.
Today close to 30,000 people live in Ocean View. They live in brick houses and apartments. Housing is not the biggest concern. The township faces many other problems. Life is a struggle for many residents. They face huge unemployment and widespread drug use. Alcoholism, gangs, prostitution, and violence are also problems.
Thousands of lives are being destroyed by the local drug culture. A drug called tik, crystal meth, sells for very little. It costs less than a dollar. Many children are embroiled in this drug. The issue affects all ages and generations. Gangs and violence stem from the drug problem. Ocean View has a high crime rate. Gangs try to manage the drug trade and prostitution industry.
The coloured community has been caught between whites and blacks for decades. It has been neglected for years. Some claim they were “not white enough” during apartheid. Now they are “not black enough”. As a result, many feel abandoned. They have no hope or ambition for the future. This attitude is a major cause of the struggles Ocean View faces. Youths and adults lack hope. They do not aim for education or work. Problems like unemployment swell. People turn to crime, drugs, and prostitution. They do this to make ends meet.
HIV is also a problem in Ocean View. There is a lot of stigma attached to it. So it is not discussed openly. The estimate for infection rate is about 8-13%.
Ocean View has a number of facilities. It is still ill-equipped for the community’s needs. There are schools, a library, and a community center. There is also a clinic and small shops. There are almost 200 churches and church groups. They are limited in effectiveness by division and factions. Many live a Sunday-life focused on rules. Then they live a week-life where they behave as they wish.
The main language spoken is Afrikaans. Most people also speak English.
Some residents are beginning to stand up. They want to fulfill their potential. It has been suppressed for decades. Volunteer Mzansi AFRIKA originated from this community. It knows and understands the people. It has initiated LEADSA projects. These projects aim to uplift the people.
Ocean View is located between Kommetjie to the west. Imhoff’s Gift and Masiphumelele are to the east.
The residents of Ocean View are diverse and historical. Many families trace their roots back to indentured laborers. They also trace back to slaves brought to the Cape by the Dutch. This was in the early days of colonialism.
Among the notable people of Ocean View are Peter Clarke, a visual artist. Emile Baron was an international footballer. Franklin Cale was also a professional footballer.
Ocean View faces immense challenges. Yet, the spirit of its people remains unbroken. It is a story of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.