Cape Malays - Definition and Overview

The Cape Malays are an ethnic group who can claim descent from slaves brought to South Africa from Indonesia starting from 1667. They are predominantly found in the Western Cape. The slaves were Muslim resistors to Dutch imperialism and anti-Islamic persecution exiled into slavery. The Malays brought Islam to South Africa as well their own culture, foods, and words. These are still apparent today in South Africa. Foods such as brodie, bobotie, and sosaties are staples in many South African homes.

It is estimated that there are about 166,000 Malays in Cape Town with about 10,000 in Johannesburg. The picturesque Malay Quarter of Cape Town is found on Signal Hill, and is called the Bo-Kaap. Many Cape Malays also lived in District Six before it was demolished, and were forced to move to Coloured townships.