Part I – Changing Times: Kalk Bay – The Story

Fish played a vital role in the colonisation of the Cape. When in 1687, Simon van der Stel discovered False Bay teeming with fish that could provide the much needed food for the settlers and the company’s slaves, he established a base camp  at ‘Kalkhoven’ – as Kalk Bay was known at that time.

Bachelors desirous of mating and spending a sporting weekend could do no better than enjoy the comforts of King’s Hotel. [Kalk Bay]
                                                        Wynberg Times January 13 1883

His son Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel was later denounced and censured  for using his position to enrich himself through fishing rights and fishing licences. It is incomprehensible that this same practice is still repeated to this day.

The three harbours of Kalk Bay / Simon’s Town, Cape Town and Hout Bay all had a significant impact on South African history.