This was not a voyeuristic tour to see squalor. It was a visit with someone from the township explaining the history, former and current ways of life of the people, and their hopes for the future. We were very welcome everywhere. Our guide was Siviwe, and on the drive to Langa he told us about the townships and the local customs and language. Langa is a Xhosa tribe township, and Xhosa is a "click" language. It was quite fascinating. We were taught the clicks of which there are three. One for c, which is a click using the side of the tongue, one for x which uses the front tip of the tongue, and one for q which uses the roof of the mouth. It was hilarious practicing the words. The short phrase using all 3 clicks was quite impossible for us.
Anyway, upon arriving in Langa we went to the newish cultural centre, funded from overseas.
There were excellent mosaics...
..and crafts for sale.
We started our walk in the poorer part, but with new housing alongside - the way of the future
This church was said to be very popular and practiced a mix of traditional and Christian beliefs..
..there were various shops..
...a child care centre...
..a claimed very popular cooked lamb's head fast food joint - AUD 4.50 gets you one - Australia is a major supplier
...another fast food joint selling pig liver sandwiches..
...a hairdressing salon - old shipping containers were used everywhere for all sorts of businesses...
...a welding shop, where security needs are catered for, but obviously not spelling lessons...
...a home brew bar..
...with Siviwe buying - you can only buy by the full pail - for AUD 2:50 - and it must be shared. This is how you drink it, glasses are not permitted.
We visited a typical poor persons house. Apparently 8 people live in this one room.
We saw "middle class" housing as well...
..plus the private house areas of the professionals, who stay rather than move out.
We then went to Guguleta township for lunch at the supposedly internationally renowned Mzoli's
...and to prove its reputation there is a celebrity photo wall. Jamie Oliver was one very satisfied guest.
The meal starts with choosing your meat..
...this was for 8 people and cost AUD 35.
You then take it out the back where it is BBQ'd for you...
..then presented along with bread, pap (corn meal stodge), beans (Mandelas favourite dish), and a salsa.
...this is a first round serve.
We were then lucky enough to return via Camps Bay. Very upmarket, and a very busy restaurant scene.
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