Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

The Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre is a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to fostering a more compassionate and just society where human rights and diversity are esteemed.

Through impactful exhibitions, events, and workshops, the Centre commemorates the victims and survivors of the Nazi regime and various genocides preceding and following the Holocaust.

Established in 1999, it was the first Holocaust Centre in Africa, driven by the steadfast commitment to provide free Holocaust and genocide education. A primary objective from the outset was to extend this educational outreach to underprivileged communities locally and nationally and to individuals who might not have the financial means to visit.

The impact and success of the Centre’s programmes with schools and civil society was an important factor leading to the inclusion of Holocaust studies in the curriculum of all South African schools, making the study of the Holocaust mandatory for the students in grade 9 (14-15 years old).

Today, the Centre takes an additional step by subsidizing transportation for disadvantaged groups, eliminating financial barriers that might otherwise impede access to valuable educational experiences. Demonstrating a dedication to comprehensive support, the Centre also extends its commitment by offering complimentary meals and educational materials to groups of learners originating from the most underprivileged and economically challenged areas of the country.

Through these initiatives, the Centre annually reaches thousands of high school learners and hundreds of teachers, fostering a broader and more inclusive understanding of history and human rights. At the same time the Centre provides a wide range of programming for members of the local Jewish community, citizens of Cape Town and international visitors.

Collaborating with external experts, the Centre curates exhibitions and runs programs on other acts of mass violence, such as the Armenian Genocide, Holodomor, Rwandan Genocide, and more, emphasizing the global impact of hatred and the imperative of preventing history from repeating itself.

In addition to historical exhibitions, the Centre employs the power of art for expression and healing. Collaborations with artists from around the world present diverse mediums that offer fresh perspectives on human suffering, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.

The exhibitions and the accompanying programs serve as a testament to the enduring power of memory and education. By confronting the darkness of the past, the Centre aims to inspire a renewed commitment to humanity, understanding, and peace, in the hope that the lessons learned from history lead to a brighter and more inclusive future.