Townships

What are Townships?  Often underdeveloped urban living areas that, from the late 19th century until the end of Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites (black Africans, Coloureds and Indians). Often underdeveloped urban living areas that, from the late 19th century until the end of Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites (black Africans, Coloureds and Indians).  Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities. The term township also has a distinct legal meaning, in South Africa's system of land title, that carries no racial connotations. Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities. The term township also has a distinct legal meaning, in South Africa's system of land title, that carries no racial connotations.

Why did people live their?  During the Apartheid Era blacks were evicted from properties that were in areas designated as "white only" and forced to move into segregated townships. Separate townships were established for each of the three designated non-white race groups (blacks, coloureds and Indians). Legislation that enabled the Apartheid government to do this included the Group Areas Act.Apartheid Era blacks were evicted from properties that were in areas designated as "white only" and forced to move into segregated townships. Separate townships were established for each of the three designated non-white race groups (blacks, coloureds and Indians). Legislation that enabled the Apartheid government to do this included the Group Areas Act.

The Problems within the Townships  Within the townships, the communities face many troubling issues. Most often the homes are built on lands that are not owned by the occupier so it is there illegally. Since the houses are not there with the government’s permission they most likely do not have the proper services needed. Without the proper services, such as sewage, electricity, roads, and clean water, life becomes very difficult for them.

South Africa's Soweto Township Celebrates Beacon of Hope  In South Africa, more than a half million pupils are busy writing their marathon end of high-school examination, known here as “matric.”  This is a decisive time for the youth, as the matric has become a much-needed diploma to get a job in a country where 30 percent of the active population is unemployed - and more than 45 percent of blacks. But studying for matric is particularly hard in the poorest communities which lack basic amenities.

 In Africa's richest country, Kliptown is the dark side of the coin.  While the wealthy northern suburbs of Johannesburg remind one of Los Angeles, with their wide, shady avenues and modern parks and shopping malls, desolated Kliptown is simply an undeveloped slum.  Because of a lack of proper sanitation, a thin river of used water snakes between the box-like houses that are burning hot in summer, freezing cold in winter.

 On June 16, 1976, hundreds of high-school students in Soweto, the African township southwest of Johannesburg, marched in protest against having to use Afrikaans.  The police responded with tear gas and then with gunfire that left at least three dead and a dozen injured. The demonstrators, joined by angry crowds of Soweto residents, reacted by attacking and burning down government buildings, including administrative offices and beer halls.  The government sent in more police and troops and quelled the violence within a few days but at the cost of several hundred African lives.