Munsieville’s story began in 1905 when it was
declared a ‘native location’ whereby black people
who did not reside with their employers, had to
take up residence in the township. A makeshift
housing plan was developed in 1913 and by 1923,
around 220 men, 262 women and 325 children
lived in 119 houses in Munsieville! Do the math, it
was not pretty or livable by any standard. Only
in 1934 were taps installed at street corners so
that residents could draw water, and in 1937,
‘development’ included sewage systems, guttering
and curbing of streets.