Industrial Socialist League (the Socialist Hall) offices

Following the split in the SDF (Social Democratic Federation) in 1916, the Industrial Socialist League (ISL) was created by radial group members which split from the SDF along with Cape Town workers' movements. This party was formed in response to issues such as unemployment, bad working conditions, low wages and the high cost of living in Cape Town. The new organisation was headed by A. Z. Herman, Joe Pick, Davidoff, Wrafter and Dryburgh. "The ISL-CT tried to incorporate within its ranks the militant elements of all population groups, with particular emphasis on the artisan sections of the 'white' and 'coloured' groups and the highly exploited African working class in the docks and factories" (SAHistory, 2019). The ISL established their offices in the heart of District Six, which was the area where most workers were living. After the first World War, a lot of people lost their jobs. Consequently, the number of people attending ISL meetings grew. The ISL's new Socialist Hall, which was located at 20 Plein Street, was opened on 12 January 1919.