The legal dispute over a family’s traditional hut at the Castle of Good Hope has been postponed to 10 November, extending a disagreement over the family’s presence at the historic Cape Town landmark.
The matter involves Wanga Shixuqiquqa Kape and her family, who identify as descendants of oNoqhakancu (Khoisan) and want to preserve their cultural heritage at the Castle.
The Castle’s management is challenging an earlier court order concerning the family’s occupation of the premises.
Dispute over family’s traditional hut
The dispute centres on a traditional hut the family erected on the Castle grounds as part of a proposed cultural heritage initiative.
In a report published on 14 October, TimesLIVE reported that the family had obtained a spoliation order after the hut was demolished during an alleged eviction.
The order directed the Castle to restore the family’s possession of the premises, return their belongings and allow them to rebuild their hut without interference.
However, the order did not determine whether the family had a permanent right to live at the Castle.
Kape has reportedly maintained that the family followed the required process before establishing the cultural initiative.
Traditional leaders raise concerns
The dispute has also drawn objections from Khoisan traditional leaders who have questioned the family’s presence at the heritage site.
According to a Daily Voice report published on 20 October, several traditional leaders visited the Castle and called for the family’s hut to be removed.
Chief Vumile Nakani, the Western Cape provincial chairperson of the Royal Leadership of South Africa’s Integrated Unity Council (ROLESA), reportedly raised concerns about the occupation of the Grade 1 National Heritage Site.
The disagreement has brought questions about cultural heritage, traditional leadership and the family’s right to remain at the property into focus.
Court matter postponed
The matter has now reportedly been postponed to 10 November 2026.
Further developments are expected when the case returns to court.
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