After a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Slave Route Challenge is making a much-anticipated return to the streets of Cape Town this weekend and we have all the details, including road closures to avoid.
What is the Slave Route Challenge?
The Slave Route Challenge aims to raise awareness about the city’s history and heritage. This event holds significant importance as a part of Cape Town’s rich historical narrative, with a notable section of the city built by individuals who were once enslaved, hailing from Indonesia and Malaysia.
In fact, many Capetonians can trace their ancestral roots back to this period.
The Slave Route Challenge encompasses several of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks along its route, beginning at City Hall and passing through District 6, Gardens, Company Gardens, Wale Street, BoKaap, DHL Stadium, Fort Wynyard, CBD, and concluding at the Castle of Good Hope on the Grand Parade.
Designed to cater to participants of varying fitness levels, the race offers different courses, including a 21km half marathon, a 10km walk or run, and a 5km fun run.
The Slave Route Challenge also plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace, and economic development within the Mother City.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, expressed anticipation for the participation of all Capetonians in honouring the city’s history and the generations that preceded them.
“After a long hiatus, we are excited to welcome the Slave Route Challenge back to the City for its 11th edition, commemorating the heritage of Cape Town and highlighting the beauty of our city.
“It also plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace and economic development within the Mother City. We look forward to seeing all Capetonians come together and take part in honouring Cape Town’s history and the generations that have lived before us,” Smith said.
Cape Town road closures to avoid on Sunday, 28 May 2023
To facilitate the race, several road closures and restrictions will be in effect, including Darling Street, Lower Buitenkant Street, and Sir Lowry Road, with limited access to Adderley Street, Buitengracht, and Wale Street.
Here is the complete Cape Town road closure timetable for Sunday, 28 May 2023:
| AFFECTED ROAD | BETWEEN | CLOSURE | TIMES |
| Darling Street | Plein and Buitenkant | Full | 06:00-10:00 |
| Lwr Buitenkant Street | Strand and Darling | Full | 06:00-10:00 |
| Sir Lowry Road | Sir Lowry and Buitenkant | Full | 06:00-08:00 |
| Hanover Street | Sir Lowry intersection | Full | 06:00-08:00 |
| Hanover Street | Tennant Street intersection | Full | 06:00-08:00 |
| Adderley Street | Strand Street intersection | Partial | 08:00-10:00 |
| Buitengracht and Wale Street | Wale and Buitengracht | Partial | 07:15-08:50 |
Participants can also look forward to a refreshments pit stop in BoKaap, where they can indulge in the traditional Cape Malay treat known as Koesister.
The revival of the Slave Route Challenge promises to be an engaging and meaningful event, bringing together the community in remembrance of Cape Town’s past and celebrating its vibrant present.