1938

A health inspection report conducted by the Department of Public Health gives the first documented glimpse into life in Oukloof.

Town population 550
White 350
Coloureds 200
Location: 60 dwellings

• The land belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church and residents are building their own homes. Each household pays an annual fee of £1 to the church.
• The old location situated on the hillside contains very dilapidated dwellings, some of which are unfit for human habitation. A suggestion is made to gradually vacate the piece of land and move the residents lower down on the slope of the hill [Oukloof]. Houses in the new location vary but are of reasonable standard, built with brick, iron roofs and earth floors.
• Water is provided by the Village Management Board through a tank and a tap located at the entrance to the location.
• No dairy is provided in the town, so many residents keep goats or cows for milking.
• There is no sanitation provided.
• While some families have built bucket toilet facilities outside, most people dispose of their own night soil. It is also suggested by the health department that a dual pail night soil removal system be provided to the location.

It is important to note, there was no sanitation facilities in the whole of Riebeek Kasteel at this point in time. Night soil was not removed and it stayed this way for a while in Oukloof, despite the health authorities ordering the Village Management Board, whose responsibility this was, to do something about it.

Reference:
Cape Town Records Centre: 1938 Health Report:SGD 163 4/4124