Visiting Townships in South Africa is not easy by Kristen DelForge

 Instead of snapping pictures at the beautiful scenery or taking a tour of a museum, going to a township launches the individual into a world of complete, abject poverty. A lingering sore from Apartheid, South Africa’s townships are areas of extremely poor individuals, mostly black or coloured. In the background of the pretty Cape Town landscape, shacks and small homes made from tin, metal or anything semi-durable that can be found line the sand or poorly paved roadways  of the townships of Langa and Kheylishta. Despite their difficult circumstance, several strong individuals have stepped forward to help save and rehabilitate their communities.

            Langa, the oldest black township in Cape Town, is home to a cultural building that hosts a group of musicians whose main goal is to use the power of music, educate the youth on values such as honesty, hard work, and compassion. This group dedicates their time to steering Langa’s youth in the right direction, to keep them from trouble. Langa also employs individuals to make pottery to sell, another way of keeping people off the streets. Despite their efforts, trouble is too easily found in the townships. The downtrodden often turn to drugs and alcohol—sometimes leading to contracting HIV/AIDS—for comfort from a rough life. Additionally, the church also provides a positive outlet for the community. After participating in a Baptist church service this past Sunday, it became quite apparent that the church is on the forefront of community issues. The sermon, some in traditional language and some in English, spoke to the real problems of Langa. The preacher spoke about alcohol, drugs, and domestic issues. To the church outlet, as well as the outlet provided by the musicians and artists at the cultural center are powerful forces that work tirelessly to positively influence the community.

            Kheylitsha, the other township we had the pleasure of visiting contains buildings called “informal settlements”. These homes are shacks, thrown together with whatever material is around. Like Langa, the poverty is intense, and also like in Langa, there are individuals fighting for a better life for all citizens of the township. Ms. Vicky’s Bed and Breakfast is known as the smallest hotel in South Africa. Complete with six rooms, Vicky rents out the beds for 210 rand (under $50), meals included. She also raises money and school supplies for students so that they may be able to adequately complete their school work and gain a valuable education. Another strong woman, Gloria, runs a day care and kindergarten for 100 children of Kheylitsha. Here she depends on donations in order to fulfil her goal of giving the children a solid foundation on which to build their future academic pursuits. Many members of the township recognize the importance of education, and the positive impact it can have for the future. The cultural center of Kheylitsha is also similar to that of Langa; however, they employ women of the township to make bags, tapestries, rugs and other items to sell. It is great that people can actually see the women working the looms. This provides a positive, stable employment for those already grown in the township.

            While I cannot speak for the entire class, I can say for myself, that visiting both Langa and Kheylistha has been an inspiring and eye-opening experience. Never in my life have I been around so much poverty, and visiting with the people and especially the children was heartbreaking at times, yet the individuals fighting to save their townships despite the odds keep an optimistic attitude always. Their positive outlook is quite an inspiration. Fighting to save the communities is not any easy task, but these brave individuals are in it for the long haul, giving up is simply not an option, and there is something to be greatly admired in that struggle.