Khayelitsha Township

Khayelitsha is thought to be not only the largest township in South Africa but also the fastest-growing. It was established in 1985 as part of a 1950 law assigning difference racial groups to different residential areas, when black residents were forcibly moved to the new township, sometimes violently.
Today, Khayelitsha has a population of more than 390,000 people. Living conditions in the township have improved a great deal since the fall of apartheid, but even as recently as 2001 most of the residents still lived in shacks and did not have easy access to fresh water. Tourism to Khayelitsha is increasing, with visits to the craft market and township tours on offer.

Practical Info

Khayelitsha is about 15.5 miles southeast of Cape Town. As with any township, it's best to visit with an official guided tour, as navigating townships can be extremely confusing if you aren't familiar with the layout.