Why the Blockhouse? (4 Oct)

From our colonial past to solidarity with survivors of gender based violence

Walk Day 4

For many of us taking part in Blocktober / Steps for Saartjie, the King’s Blockhouse is more than a turnaround point—it’s a shared ritual of movement and solidarity.

Each October, Blocktober walkers, runners, and cyclists, in partnership with the Saartjie Baartman Centre, head for this stone fort on Devil’s Peak to stand with survivors of gender‑based violence and help fund practical, life‑changing support.

The King's Blockhouse on Devil's Peak, Cape Town, a relic of colonial military history

Our colonial past – King’s Blockhouse and Saartjie Baartman

Saartjie Baartman (Wikipedia)

The King's Blockhouse is a relic of Cape Town's colonial military history. Built in 1796 during the first British occupation of the Cape, the King’s Blockhouse was named for King George III. It focused on defending strategic approaches to Cape Town and Table Bay from external threats, particularly against any attempts by Dutch or French forces to retake the Cape.

It sat within a chain of lookouts on the mountain, with two sister posts (now ruins) keeping watch over the landward approaches to the city. From its perch on Mowbray Ridge the garrison could relay signals between Table Bay and False Bay—part lookout, part early‑warning system.

Saartjie Baartman (c. 1789 – 1815) was a Khoekhoe woman who was exhibited some years later, as a freak show attraction in 19th-century Europe under the name Hottentot Venus. Saartjie’s remains were repatriated to SA in 2002 for a proper burial. Today she is a symbol of resilience and many honour her memory - thus the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children adopted her name.

Why it matters now

Jean du Plessis, co-founder of the Blocktober movement wrote in 2021:

“My hope is to help switch this unique fortress from an armed lookout post protecting a colonial empire to a symbol of resistance and solidarity against one of the most pervasive and persistent violations, all over the world, but particularly in SA. Our humble but determined purpose in doing this is to encourage people to find out about gender-based violence, listen to what survivors say, learn about how it can be stopped, and then do something about it.”

Walking up to the Blockhouse

Read other blogs in the series

October Walk Details in Cape Town

• Next walking day: 5 October 8am.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2.5hrs, 7.5km
• Jeep Track Route: From Vredehoek (mountain end of Chelmsford Rd), to Blockhouse and back. Click this PIN for starting point.
• Click here to join future walks.