Why the Mother City?

Ever wondered why Cape Town is called the Mother City? Well there are many suggestions as to where this affectionate name was derived from.

The most common reason is offered by accredited Cape Town tour guide, Selwyn Davidowitz, ““In the 1930's some unknown party wrote to the local Cape Town newspaper claiming that Cape Town was the only city in South Africa that could justly call itself a metropolis. The public took to this description and because the word metropolis is derived from the Greek derivation of meter or metros meaning mother and polis meaning city, the nickname of "Mother City" was born. Hence today we know our wonderful city as being the Mother City."

Many say that Capetonians are a laidback, relaxed people and that it takes nine months to get anything done here. A mother gives birth after nine months, hence the name.

Another reason, which I found quite hilarious, is that they say Cape Town is called the Mother City because of the local Cape coloured dialect. Yup, you guessed it, as in “Jou ma se....” (Your Mother).

I would say that Cape Town is the Mother City because of the power of its beauty to calm the soul and its ability to host its many diverse children. I love this place! As they say, “Home is where the heart is!”

Taken From: georginacombes.wordpress.com