Township Tour

Been wanting to do a township tour for a long time and finally the opportunity arrived with some overseas visitors. Quite embarrasing as a local who has not really been into the townships.

The trip we went on was hosted by Babi, a township resident, who runs this as a business. (Winter - May-Aug - is not a good time for him as business is slow, so anyone coming over should really try and support him).

We started in town, and went through District 6 (where people were forcibly evicted) to Langa, with Babi providing a history of the area and the laws passed during the apartheid period. Starting in town provided a stark contrast to Langa - the oldest of the townships. This includes a visit to the local traditional healer.

From there we went through Guguletu (Gugs) and into Khayelitsha, the largest in Cape Town with over 2 million residents! We stopped in at one of the local schools, Sibanye, which helps to build skills and provide market access for crafts produced by community projects. They have a shop which sells some of the beautiful items that the pupils make and various township organisations make. All of this is non-profit and the majority is to assist those impacted by HIV/Aids - clearly a worthy cause. Jo-lene, the manager gave us a quick informative tour. Really makes you think that we should all be doing more.

The tour finishes at a local shebeen (unlicensed bar). Woohoo - some black labels for me and the crew.

The trip is really worthwhile and humbling - it brings you to your senses. A must for all visitors to Cape Town - and Babi is a worthwhile guide too (contact details on the photo).