Between 1930 - 1950 Sophiatown became a symbol of unity and diversity in what was an increasingly racially divided country. It was in this tiny suburb that South Africans of every group co-existed in a peaceful, if chaotic manner. It was particularly known as a centre of arts, literature, music and drama. During the 1950's the government began a brutal campaign against so-called 'black spots' and racially integrated areas, such as Sophiatown, became a casualty of the government's new system of force removals under the Group Areas Act. From February 1955 Sophiatown was systematically destroyed schools and shops, cinemas and swimming pools - except for a few landmarks. Everyone was displaced and homes lost. Neighbours and families were moved to different areas according to skin colour. The community protests led by African leaders and Trevor Huddleston (who was the local Anglican priest), extended to Britain, but were in vain. On the first day of removals on 9 February 1955, 2000 policemen ousted 100 families to Meadowlands. In all, 65,000 people of all races were affected. A new white suburb was built over the rubble, named Triomf.

After the first democratic elections in 1994, the area was renamed Tromf-Sophiatown, and officially renamed Sophiatown in February 2006 - 51 years after the first removals.

Today the Centre is working with others in Sophiatown to recreate its spirit of diversity and community and, in the blossoming of new South Africa, we invite you to join us in creating a place where all are welcome.

We take our inspiration from the work of Fr Trevor Huddleston who was awarded in 1955 the Isitwalandwe medal of honor in Kliptown South Africa. He was President of the anti-apartheid movement in the UK until 1994. Fr Trevor Huddleston died in 1998. His ashes are interred in Sophiatown, next to the Church of Christ the King. A film about Father Trevor, ('The Dauntless One'), is available from the Centre.

Cultural Encounters - working with the Huddleston Centre and other community projects, Cultural Encounters offers specialist tours to Johannesburg and cultural heritage sites nationally: www.encounterafrica.co.za