Visit to Gugulethu and Nyanga
- Details
- Tuesday, 17 May 2011
- Written by Thea Weyers
- Back to: Educationals
Twelve CTGA members joined Mteto Mzongwana (co-opted Executive Committee member) on a most informative tour of the Townships. Our route started from the Grand West Casino, over Vanguard Drive, which becomes NY1 (“Native Yard” 1 – to be changed soon!) where our first stop was at the monument for the “Guguletu Seven”. It is a poignant tribute to the “Trojan Horse” men who died in protest of Apartheid. Unfortunately it is already showing signs of vandalism and the promised Amy Bhiel monument was missing.
Langa had been established as a hostel area in1927 to house migrant workers. These buildings are now being converted into family friendly dwellings. Nyanga was established in 1941, Crossroads in 1975 and Khyelitsha in 1980.
Our next stop was at the famous Mzoli’s bar/ restaurant, and we were honoured to meet the Man himself! Mzoli’s is in fact a butchery – one chooses the meat to be eaten, then it is cooked and you eat it! Mzoli was the driving force and main financier of the new and impressive Guguletu Square Shopping Mall, with all the regular retail chain stores.
From here we went to the main taxi terminus in Nyanga, where the Zolani Centre provides various upliftment programmes with art centre, crèche, etc. Walking across the street, we could encounter “Maphindi’s Tshisa Nyama” (street abattoir and scorching of meat – not for the faint hearted!) on our way to the Day Care Centre for the elderly, who were busy doing craft work and insisted on singing the National Anthem for us. They have produced and care for a great and healthy looking veggie garden.
The Etafeni Day Care Centre was most impressive, (they receive funding from various overseas sponsors, such as Elton John). AIDS affected elderly as well as pre-school children are well cared for. The ladies spend their days making craft work and sewing and their health problems are monitored and cared for and medication supervised. Young people are also given a good start to life with a skills programme that includes computer operating and self development – preparing them for interviews and assisting them to find posts.
At the Nyanga Art Centre we were entertained by the ladies who danced of us in traditional costume, while a marimba band livened up the whole proceedings! Mac Walker felt moved to join them in one of their traditional dances, much to everyone’s delight. Well done Mac! This centre also promotes the fine arts, and has some beautiful paintings, etc for sale. It was a historic farm house and has been converted using the materials available on the land, and has had much input from our very knowledgeable guide, Mteto. Mteto is being encouraged by David Smith and is a great contact if you would like to arrange a group tour to the township. Thanks to all!