Inside Cape Town’s Langa Township

Posted by Lizo MC Mgobozi | August 26, 2009

Category: Travel Tips

I was born and raised in Langa Township in Cape Town, and truly know what it means to be “proudly South African.” Established in 1927 as one of South Africa’s first black townships, Langa is about 20 km from central Cape Town, and today is divided into four sections including the Joe Slovo informal housing settlement, one of the largest in the country. Langa is a predominantly Xhosa-speaking community; “langa” literally means “sun” in Xhosa, but the township’s name is really derived from Langalibalele, a tribal chief and rainmaker who resisted the government and was imprisoned on Robben Island in the 19th century.

Although I was trained as an electrical engineer, I’ve chosen a career dedicated to educating and assisting people in maximizing their potential as production workers, team members and individuals. I believe very strongly that as people learn more about themselves and how to interact in new ways, they will grow to be effective South African individuals. Also, for more than a decade, I’ve led scores of international guests, locals and school groups on tours of Langa, which remains my home today. I’ll look forward to welcoming you to Langa on your visit, and showing you my community… and how we’re working to create a healthy and prosperous future together.