Langa is the oldest
and most central township, lying just east of the white
suburb of Pinelands and north of the N2. In this In this
relentlessly grey place, without the tiniest patch of green
relief, you’ll find women selling sheep and goats’
heads. Nuclear families live in smart suburban houses while,
not far away, there are former men-only hostels where as
many as three families share one room.
History of Langa
When in 1901 a Bubonic plague hit the city, the
white government decided that the Africans were the hazards
of the disease. About five hundred people were forced to
move to a farm called 'Uitvlug'. After an outbreak of the
Spanish flu epidemic in 1918, the Africans were removed
to the part of the city where Langa is situated now. That's
how in 1927 this area became South Africa's first black
township.
Shining Sun
Langa was named after a chief of the Hlubi tribe, Langalibale.
Literally 'Langa' means 'shining sun', but this name does
not represent the way the people are living in this informal
settlement.
Especially the Joe Slovo part of Langa, next to the N2-highway
from the city to the airport, is showing that the citizens
of this area of Cape
Town are experiencing many problems in their daily lives.
Thousands of shacks made out of cardboard, plastic and wood
are the proof of the poverty of many of Langa's inhabitants.
Big role in the anti-apartheid struggle
Langa placed itself on the map when in March 1960
a big group of citizens protested against the pass-law.
The apartheid government wanted all blacks to carry a pass
with them which proofed that they were part of the lowest
group in society. More than fiftythousand people decided
to burn their passes and hand themeselves in to the police.
The police opened fire on the protesting crowd killing some
and wounding many.
Langa played a big role in the resistance against the apartheid.
In the seventies the area was stage for many protests. For
example against the use of Afrikaans as the first language
at all schools troughout the country.
Positive development
But there are also positive aspects to mention
about this previously disadvantaged area. Compared to a
few years ago, the crime rate is decreasing.
In parts of Langa and other townships water, electricity
and toilets are generally available.
Entrepreneurs are opening stores and workplaces and many
are seeing a positive future these parts of Cape Town.
Langa is situated next to the big power-station
on the N2 highway from and to the Cape Town airport.
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