KALK BAY, Western Cape — Nestled just over 30 kilometers from the Cape Town CBD along the scenic shores of False Bay, Kalk Bay is globally renowned for its vibrant harbor and bustling tourist atmosphere. However, the untold history of Kalk Bay’s early Filipino settlers reveals a profound cultural foundation that has shaped this beloved coastal village for over 180 years.
While thousands of visitors flock to the area every weekend to capture photographs of its quirky charm, many remain unaware of the major influence and contribution of the Filipino community, which first settled in the region in the early 1840s. Arriving more than a century and a half ago, these early immigrants went on to form the backbone of the local fishing industry, establishing a thriving community whose descendants continue to reside in the area today.
The Backbone of the Fishing Community
The early Filipino settlers were renowned for their natural physical strength, deep understanding of the ocean, and exceptional fishing skills. According to local descendants, it was these vital maritime abilities that essentially established the village. Without their specialized skills, the community as it is known today would likely not exist.
Dominica Hunter, a proud sixth-generation descendant, notes that embracing this ancestry provides her with a deep sense of dignity. She highlights the community’s historic capability to work with their hands in close connection with the ocean—an affinity she says was passed down from their island origins. Hunter traces her family’s roots to the islands of Java, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, expressing immense pride in their arduous journey across thousands of kilometers by ship. She emphasizes that these early settlers were highly skilled people who brought a profound sense of culture to the region.
Today, these ancestral traits remain highly visible. The younger generation continues to display a natural aptitude for working with their hands and navigating both the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Many in the community still live off the sea, foraging and utilizing the exact survival techniques their ancestors taught them centuries ago.
Preserving Heritage Through Art and History
To ensure this rich heritage is not forgotten, local descendants are actively involved in projects that celebrate their history. Tracy Quai, a fellow sixth-generation descendant and decolonial ocean historian, recently curated an open-air exhibition titled “The Sea Is in Our Blood.”
During the exhibition, Hunter was able to identify a historical photograph of her great-great-grandmother, Charlotte Daniels. The display also featured images of Hunter’s mother as a young child, alongside family album photos of her uncles, allowing the community to visually connect with their lineage.
The physical landscape of Kalk Bay is heavily dotted with the footprints of the Filipino people, serving as a testament to their enduring presence. Around 80 years ago, the so-called “Fisher Flats” were constructed to house the community, and Hunter still resides in this historic area today.
A Lasting Legacy in the Landscape
In recent years, the village has taken significant steps to formally recognize this vital history. In 2025, a dedicated mural was painted in honor of the early Filipino settlers. Up towards the mountain, a peaceful and now-protected area marks the site of the community’s original graveyard, which was in use from 1850 to 1903. A lone cross stands there today as a solemn remembrance. Furthermore, in 2017, the pathway situated next to the historic graveyard was officially named the “Manila Steps,” paying homage to the capital of the Philippines.
Hunter reflects on the intelligence and strength of her ancestors, noting that their ability to identify the area’s abundant resources and maintain the community for generations was purely due to their unmatched fishing skills.
Nearly 200 years later, the Filipinos who made the best of their circumstances far away from their homeland have left an indelible mark. Their legacy lives on, having become an integral part of the beautiful, complex cultural tapestry that makes South Africa unique.