Township life
perception vs reality

Townships are surrounded by colour, life and vitality. South Africa’s townships truly embrace the spirit of ubuntu, which means “I am, because we are”. What is largely unknown, is that townships have a strong feeling of togetherness, neighbourliness, values, appreciation, sharing, responsibility and unity.

The local community is able to access a variety of goods and services in the township from hair cutting to dry cleaning services. For some residents, there is no need to leave the township because what they need can be made available to them.

Township life can be extremely tough however the local community is caring and protective of each other. The local community is still able to enjoy aspects of life lost in high walled, high security suburbs. In townships, there is strong social support, where people still enjoy evenings sitting around a fire talking to their family, friends and neighbours.

Children are able to play football in the streets with friends and walk to their local spaza shop. There is comradery, with people stopping to greet and chat to others and everyone is seen as part of a large extended family.