|
| The Townships of Cape Town form a strong contrast to the city center and the rich suburbs. The N2 highway that connects Cape Town International Airport to the city bowl is lined with townships, consisting of a mixture of shacks and solid buildings. The Townships arose from 1950 after coming into effect the 'area group of Act'. Coloured people were not allowed to live in the white suburbs and were banished to areas away from the city. |
|
| Townships were once no-go areas for many people, but today a visit is an experience that will open your eyes to the way in which the biggest portion of Cape Town's population are living. Despite difficult circumstances and poor living conditions, you will experience the vibrancy and spirit of the South African people. You should connect yourself, however, in any case to an organized tour. Many guides have built up relationships with the township residents and often are residents themselves, able to take you to the most interesting places. |
|
|
On the cylindrical ride through the Townships you can turn round in a typical pub (Shebeen), you become acquainted with the fields, that played an important role in the fight against the apartheid and have you occasion to shop on an artisan market. In memory you will have particularly the frankness and riendlyness of the people, however. If you have interest, to become acquainted the shaking and rhythms the Townships, you can participate in a 'Township music tour'. Each township has its own colourful character. Visit Langa, the oldest of South Africa's black townships, established in 1923, or the newest and second largest in the country, Khayelitsha, which dates from the 1980s. |
|
