Cape Town Heritage Tours, True and False - A Heritage Walking Tour from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay
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| Old Muizenberg in 1940s |
Life through Technicolour-tinted Glasses.
"By the early 1900s Muizenberg was proving to be the most popular holiday resort in South Africa, not only for the rich diamond and gold magnates, but also for countless up-country visitors, who not only wished to enjoy the refreshing sea air but wanted to be part of the vibrant ambience.
It was a mecca for businessmen from the Rand and Kimberley, who would bring their families on holiday and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow businessmen. Historical personalities among the many eminent people who visited Muizenberg include Lord Kitchener, General Smuts, Sir Patrick Duncan (who at one time owned Sandhills, formerly Sir Herbert Baker's seaside home), Alfred Beit, J.B. Robinson, Bernard Shaw, Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie.
The demand for accommodation grew steadily. The Bathing Pavilion and New Railway Station building were but two aspects of this growth. Hotels and houses were also in great demand. The accommodation factor played a large and ever-increasing role in Municipal Revenue. With each new project, revenue from Municipal rates increased. In 1895 the Municipal rate was one penny in the pound, but by 1908 this had increased to four pence in the pound.
The valuation roll in 1896 stood at only 135,000 pounds, but this grew to 361,000 pounds in 1901 and to 400,000 pounds in 1902, thanks principally to the rapid and large increase in the number of houses, commercial enterprises and hotels throughout the area.
Hotels for the general public and magnificent mansions and holiday homes for the more wealthy were rapidly constructed, particularly along the road from Muizenberg to St James. The building boom was very important to the Municipality, as much needed rates ensured further capital development, which included a reservoir, piped water, water-borne sewage, electricity and improved beach facilities."
- From Michael Walker's 'Muizenberg - A Forgotten Story' (2009).
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