This is the Republic of Hout Bay`s mirror event of the Table of Peace and Unity held on Table Mountain Rd in Cape Town annually on 27 April in celebration of Freedom Day. At the event, the Hout Bay and Llandudno Heritage Trust fired a cannon ( we have twelve 18th century cannons ) to mark the occasion. In the past years the trust has successfully presented the ‘around the Peninsula Freedom day cannon salute’.

This year Hout Bay introduced for the first time the Table of Unity on the beachfront hosted by Hout Bay MOB members representing Hout Bay’s businesses, who have mustered their efforts to focus on the need to get our people together in Hout Bay. This year, Jimmy`s Killer Prawns & Legends Pub & Grill hosted the table. The MOB invited Sea Gulls from Hangberg to present their special Paella dish.

These efforts by local businesses include hosting special events such as

• Table of Peace and Unity on 27 April
• international Day of Prayer on 11 May
• Coming of Age Celebrations of the Republic of Hout Bay on 23 May
• Hout Bay Carnival Street Parade on Sat 24 May
• Afrikaans Musiek Fees in October combined with an October Fest
• Hout Bay Jazz Festival in November

Also this year, the 12 days of Christmas will be part of the Christmas program together with a Christmas Night Market.

Hout Bay’s first table of Unity was addressed and officially launched by the Ward Councillor Margo Haywood and attended by members of the business and local community. Song items were rendered by the Hout Bay Malay Choir Brass Band. The traditional firing of the cannon on this special day was effected by Marga Haywood which also marked Hout Bay`s significant inclusion in the National Freedom Day program. The 2nd firing of the cannon was performed by Charlene August, a member of the Malay Choir.

At the occation Hout Bay Passports were presented by the "Consul of the Republicc of Hout Bay" to Councillor Marga Haywood, Timothy Jacobs and Winston Williams. Welcome to the new official citizens of the Republic of Hout Bay!

This event will form part of the calendar of events for next year and beyond.