On Heritage Day, 24 September 2025, the historic Castle of Good Hope came alive with stories of courage, resilience, and exploration as the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) proudly hosted the launch of District Six to Antarctica by Mustakim Gierdien. The event beautifully bridged South Africa’s rich cultural heritage with its remarkable Antarctic legacy — a fitting tribute to the spirit of the day.
Gierdien’s publication, District Six to Antarctica, traces an extraordinary journey from the vibrant streets of District Six to the icy frontiers of the southernmost continent. In this deeply personal memoir, he shares how the forced removals of District Six shaped his early years and how perseverance transformed hardship into purpose. His story unfolds through his experiences aboard the SAS Outeniqua and his time spent building and maintaining South Africa’s Antarctic base — a journey marked by camaraderie, sacrifice, humor, and faith in the face of isolation and extreme conditions. More than a chronicle of exploration, the book celebrates the power of gratitude, resilience, and human spirit.
Attendees at the launch were treated to an inspiring exhibition of Mustakim’s personal artefacts, including letters, clothing, and mementoes from his Antarctic expeditions. ALSA also showcased a timeline of South Africa’s polar heritage, along with its collection of previously published works that preserve the nation’s polar history. Guests enjoyed light snacks and refreshments as they browsed the displays and reflected on the intersections of heritage, identity, and scientific endeavor.
The formal program featured tributes from Don Pinnock, Ishmail Higgins, and Ismail Keraan, who offered personal insights into Mustakim’s life. Gierdien followed with an address and expressing deep gratitude to his wife, Fazlyn, for her unwavering support during both his Antarctic journey and the publication process.
The event drew around one hundred guests, each of whom had the opportunity to acquire and have their copy of the book personally signed by Mustakim. The atmosphere was one of pride and celebration — a reminder that stories like his not only preserve our national memory but also inspire future generations to see adversity as a steppingstone to greatness.
The launch of District Six to Antarctica was more than a book launch — it was a celebration of South African heritage and the shared human spirit that connects our communities from District Six to the icy heart of Antarctica.
If you would like to obtain a book you can contact mustakimgierdien9@gmail.com
Full gallery of the event click here, these images will be made available on the ALSA digital repository