South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country with many urban areas that are home to millions of people. One of the most common types of urban settlements in South Africa is the township, which is usually an underdeveloped and racially segregated area that was created during the apartheid era. However, some townships have grown and developed over time, becoming hubs of culture, commerce and community.
Top 5 Largest Townships in South Africa
In this article, we will look at the top 5 largest townships in South Africa, based on the population data from the 2011 census and the 2016 community survey. We will also provide some interesting facts and features about each township, as well as some of the challenges and opportunities they face.
1. Soweto
Soweto is the largest and most famous township in South Africa, with an estimated population of 1,271,628 in 2011. It is located in the south-western part of Johannesburg and covers an area of 200 square kilometers. Soweto is an acronym for South Western Townships, and it was formed in the 1930s when black people were forcibly removed from the city center and relocated to the outskirts.
Soweto is known for its rich history and culture, as it was the epicenter of the anti-apartheid struggle and the birthplace of many prominent figures, such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Miriam Makeba. Soweto has many attractions for tourists and locals alike, such as the Mandela House Museum, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the Orlando Towers and the Vilakazi Street.
Soweto also faces many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, crime, poor infrastructure and service delivery. However, Soweto also has many opportunities for development, such as its vibrant youth population, its entrepreneurial spirit, its cultural diversity and its potential for tourism.
2. Tembisa
Tembisa is the second largest township in South Africa, with a population of 463,109 in 2011. It is located on the northern side of Kempton Park in Gauteng province. Tembisa means “promise” or “hope” in Nguni languages, and it was established in 1957 by people who were seeking a better future for themselves and their families.
Tembisa is a dynamic and growing township that has many amenities and facilities, such as schools, clinics, shopping centers, sports grounds and churches. Tembisa also has a strong sense of community and social cohesion, as well as a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Tembisa hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Tembisa Street Carnival, the Tembisa Comedy Festival and the Tembisa Fashion Week.
Tembisa also faces many challenges, such as overcrowding, pollution, disease outbreaks, lack of sanitation and electricity, violence and drug abuse. However, Tembisa also has many opportunities for development, such as its strategic location near major highways and airports, its young and talented population, its entrepreneurial potential and its cultural heritage.
3. Katlehong
Katlehong is the third largest township in South Africa, with a population of 407,294 in 2011. It is located in the eastern part of Gauteng province near Germiston. Katlehong means “place of success” in Sotho languages, and it was founded in 1945 by migrant workers who were looking for employment opportunities in the nearby mines and industries.
Katlehong is a diverse and lively township that has many social and economic activities, such as markets, taverns, churches, schools and clinics. Katlehong also has a rich cultural and political history, as it was one of the hotspots of resistance against apartheid oppression and violence. Katlehong was also one of the first townships to have a community radio station (Kasie FM) and a community newspaper (The Voice).
4. Umlazi
Umlazi is the fourth largest township in South Africa, with a population of 404,811 in 2011. It is located in the south-eastern part of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province. Umlazi is derived from the Zulu word “umlaza”, which is a type of sour milk. Umlazi was established in 1967 as a result of the Group Areas Act, which forced black people to move out of the city center and into designated areas.
Umlazi is a vibrant and modern township that has many facilities and services, such as shopping malls, hospitals, universities, colleges and stadiums. Umlazi also has a strong cultural and musical identity, as it is home to many famous artists, such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, DJ Tira, Zola 7 and Big Nuz. Umlazi also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Umlazi Jazz Festival, the Umlazi Film Festival and the Umlazi Cultural Festival.
Umlazi also faces many challenges, such as crime, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and environmental degradation. However, Umlazi also has many opportunities for development, such as its proximity to the Indian Ocean, its tourism potential, its educational institutions and its creative industries.
5. Soshanguve
Soshanguve is the fifth largest township in South Africa, with a population of 403,162 in 2011. It is located in the north of Pretoria in Gauteng province. Soshanguve is an acronym for SOtho, SHAngaan, NGUni and VEnda, which are some of the ethnic groups that live in the township. Soshanguve was created in 1974 as a resettlement area for black people who were evicted from other parts of Pretoria.
Soshanguve is a diverse and progressive township that has many amenities and infrastructure, such as schools, libraries, clinics, police stations and fire stations. Soshanguve also has a strong academic and scientific reputation, as it is home to the Tshwane University of Technology and the South African National Research Network. Soshanguve also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several artists, musicians and poets emerging from the township.
Soshanguve also faces many challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, corruption, gangsterism and xenophobia. However, Soshanguve also has many opportunities for development, such as its strategic location near the capital city, its innovation potential, its social cohesion and its cultural diversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, townships are an integral part of South Africa’s urban landscape and identity. They have a rich history and culture that reflects the resilience and creativity of their inhabitants. They also have many challenges and opportunities that require attention and action from various stakeholders. By understanding and appreciating the townships of South Africa, we can learn more about ourselves and our country.
Most Asked Questions And Answers
Q: What is a township in South Africa? A: A township is usually an underdeveloped and racially segregated urban area that was created during the apartheid era to house black people away from economic centers.
Q: How many townships are there in South Africa? A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different sources may have different criteria and definitions for what constitutes a township. However, according to Stats SA’s 2011 census data, there were 2,716 urban areas classified as “black African” or “coloured” in South Africa.
Q: Which is the oldest township in South Africa? A: The oldest township in South Africa is Langa in Cape Town, which was established in 1927 as a result of the Urban Areas Act of 1923.
Q: Which is the newest township in South Africa? A: The newest township in South Africa is Delft in Cape Town,