Activist and historian Lucy Campbell led a tour through Cape Town's historical sites, which she described as an "architectural crime scene" reflecting the city's colonial past, on January 2, 2026. The tour, attended by 10 American students, focused on locations such as the Castle of Good Hope and the former slave lodge, aiming to provide a critical perspective on Cape Town's history of slavery and colonialism.

Campbell, 65, known for her long grey dreadlocks and passionate delivery, used the tour to highlight what she sees as the ongoing consequences of colonial actions. Speaking at the former slave lodge, with a map illustrating the origins of enslaved people trafficked to South Africa behind her, Campbell expressed her "disdain for Cape Town's colonial past," often using strong language to condemn those she holds responsible.

The Castle of Good Hope, with its thick stone walls, served as a starting point for Campbell's narrative. She aimed to offer an alternative version of the city's history, one that acknowledges the suffering and injustices inflicted upon enslaved people and the lasting impact of these events on Cape Town's social and physical landscape.

The tour is part of a broader movement in South Africa to re-evaluate historical narratives and address the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. Activists and historians are increasingly calling for a more inclusive and accurate representation of the past, challenging traditional accounts that often overlook or minimize the experiences of marginalized communities.

Campbell's work aligns with efforts to reclaim and re-interpret historical sites, transforming them into spaces for education, remembrance, and dialogue. By leading tours and sharing her research, she seeks to raise awareness about the complexities of Cape Town's past and promote a more just and equitable future.