Page 48 - Bulletin 22 2019

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The result was a clutter of ‘sheds’, ‘huts’ and ‘pondoks’ forming a ragged line of varied

shapes, sizes, materials and colours along and below the high tide line. They were described
in derogatory terms as ‘eyesores’, ‘unsightly’, ‘offensive’, ‘disgraceful’, and ‘disfiguring’ of

the beach. (Figs. 2.13 - 2.15.)

In addition to this, vandalism, littering and mixed bathing were taking place to the outrage of
many people, one of whom was Dr JHM Beck:

The Wynberg Times, 23 April 1898:

“Dr JHM Beck wrote complaining that the doors of his and other bathing-boxes had been

broken, and windows smashed and bathing gear and towels stolen. He also drew attention
to the quantity of broken bottles strewn about the beach, and protested against the
promiscuous manner in which gentlemen and ladies bathe without proper attire, the slight
rags which pass for proper attire would not, he remarked, be tolerated in any part of the
civilized world. He suggested that one part of the beach should be reserved for the men

and one part for the women and children, but in any part reserved for mixed (men and
women) bathing a more seemly costume should be insisted upon. The Council would see
that it was simply a matter for regulations and notices. – Resolved that the Secretary be

instructed to procure copies of the regulations in force at older watering places.”

In 1899, in an attempt to bring order to the situation, the KB-MM issued Bathing House

Regulations. The annual permit to erect a bathing box was set at one Guinea, or 21s. A single
box was to measure 6 ft wide by 8 ft, be spaced 3 ft from its neighbours, with the door facing

the sea. Bathers were required to wear proper bathing clothes. This vague statement was
clarified in Government Notice No. 575 of 3 June 1904 which stipulated that “…nor shall

any person bathe or appear on the beach in a bathing costume within the limits of the
municipality unless wearing a suitable bathing costume which shall consist of an opaque

garment or garments completely covering the surface of the body from the neck to the knee.

Penalty £5.” (Fig. 2.16.)

The effectiveness of the regulations is clear from an approving statement in the Official

Guidebook of 1907 - 08:

In summer the sight on Muizenberg beach is an exceedingly gay and animated one. No
false modesty prevents ladies and gentlemen, suitably attired, from bathing side by side
in the pleasant waters; but, as a matter of fact, Muizenberg is one of the few places in the
country where decent bathing costumes are insisted upon, and where mixed bathing is

carried out in so pleasant and inoffensive a manner. To a great extent this is due to their
being convenient bathing boxes on the beach, practically each house in Muizenberg
having one.