Township of Langa, Cape Town

The Township of Langa, South Africa

What’s a township? ‘Townships’ were created as designated living areas for non white people in the Apartheid era. Today I visited the oldest black township, called Langa. Langa was created as a black living area well before Apartheid (1927)… and most other ‘townships’ were as well, but the word township and the strict territorial division of the colour of people’s skin, is predominantly linked to the Apartheid era. Townships make up approx 60% of Cape Town’s population and Langa has a mind boggling population of 80K people.. Perhaps only mind boggling if you visit.

Chippa, our guide and a resident of Langa with my pal Steph.

A shop in Langa

A woman collecting goat heads to be boiled and eaten. They call them 'smiley's. When the goat heads are boiled, their skin is pulled tight causing them to 'smile'

Chipa lives in Langa. We walked the different neighbourhoods as he explained the history, lifestyle, struggle and the future of his township.

Langa Women Brewing Beer

Chippa! Our amazing tour guide

You might think that a tour or visit of this nature is immoral or degrading. Having a bunch of predominantly white tourists observing an area of poverty. You can’t help but feel that way, but the way that I see it, is that you’re supporting communities by:

1) Gaining the knowledge that places like this exist and learning about them.. possibly being inspired to help.
2) You’re going to spend a few dollars here, whether it’s on the amazing crafts, pubs (beer..shack?), donation boxes at the school etc.
3) It’s a huge part of the city you’re enjoying and learning about, so don’t be ashamed or ignorant. Educate yourself. Share some knowledge and encourage other people to do the same.

Resources: Chippa was an amazing tour guide. He’s lived in Langa his whole life and he’s loved by his community. He has a very positive outlook on the future of Langa and Cape Town. You can private message me for his email contact.

Langa Township Heritage Museum Once a pass office and court in the apartheid era, curator Alfred has transformed this historic building into what is known as the Dompas Museum (dumb pass). During apartheid people were legally required to carry passbooks. Failure to produce one resulted in a fine, arrest, or deportment. The museum tells the story of the Dompas and the history of defiance and protest that happened right there in the town of Langa. Alfred is a passionate host. This stop is not to be missed on your walk around Langa!http://www.virtualsouthafrica.com/capetown/tours/langamuseum/