Today’s tidbit: “It makes no difference where you go, there you are. And it makes no difference what you have, there’s always more to want. Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy because of what you have.” ― Zig Ziglar

Only 3 more SA posts left! Mid March I left off with part 2 of our Cape Town tour, where we explored the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The following morning we had breakfast and said goodbye to our  friends from the 2-week. My mom and I had another day still, which we spent enjoying more of Cape Town on a private tour with hotspots2c. Although it was just for the day I can’t say enough good things about them. I will be breaking up this day into three parts, starting with our experience at Imizamo Yethu Township. Imizamo Yethu means “our combined effort” in Xhosa. This Cape Town township is situated in the picturesque seaside suburb of Hout Bay and is rich in South African culture. It was a humbling experience.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{history + Imizamo Yethu Township} Check it out.

As the website states, “Imizamo Yethu was established in the early 1990’s as an area where mainly black people were allowed by the authorities to build homes known as ‘shacks’ or temporary shelters. Many of the black residents of Hout Bay could not afford, and by law were not allowed to buy property or homes in Hout Bay and had no choice but to look for vacant land on which their temporary homes were built. This was done in many cases without permission and lead to much unhappiness and aggravation with their white fellow residents. In 1989 the local government had to intervene and a piece of property was developed with basic services (roads, water and sewerage) on which black residents were allowed to build their temporary shelters and named it Imizamo Yethu.”

{our experience} Back from week one, do you remember my Soweto post? That was the first township we really saw, as we drove through, and really opened my eyes.

Our private guide from hotspots2c dropped us off at Imizamo Yethu, where we were greeted by a local guide who lives in the township. Here we enjoyed a walking experience through the vibrant, cosmopolitan and friendly township. Being able to walk instead of just drive through really allowed us to interact more with the locals, especially the kids. Many people still don’t have running water, electricity or sewage.

Below are pictures taken as we walked around, using just my compact camera.

After only a few minutes into our walking tour, we came across some kids and a new puppy they had found. They were so excited to talk with us, and let us hold the little pup.

Pictures below: church.

Picture below: police station.

Pictures below: library. Most of the books are from donations.

Newer homes being built. Still terrible roads and not great living conditions.

Pictures below: Adorable brother and sister who were happy to say hi. Speaking a little english, I remember them saying, “will you take my picture and share it when you go home?” I said of course and they couldn’t stop smiling.

Pictures below: school and daycare.

Pictures below: I just loved interacting with the kids there! This group in particular ran up to us and were fascinated by my necklace and outfit. After lots of questions, they noticed the camera and asked if I’d take their picture. I said I’d love to and they all started to pose. They would pose, then come over and look at it on the camera screen. Just adorable. The two girls were twins and couldn’t believe I was also. They kept asking where my twin was (Allie they were looking for you! :)) and didn’t get why she was back at home and not with us. I talked with this group for a while.

Pictures below: Another group of kids who were happy to smile, wave and pose! They all seemed to love the camera.

Wrapping up the tour, we donated some of our clothes from the trip. The guide was very grateful and said it would go to people who could really use it.

As the website states, “Previously, the living conditions in the shantytown were shocking. A few years ago almost all of the residents lived in small corrugated iron shacks measuring about 9ft x 9ft. Few had running water in their homes and most were forced to share outside sanitation facilities. It was not until the recent involvement of an Irish businessman, Niall Mellon which resulted in more than three hundred brand new, high quality homes of brick being built with promises of many more. Turning the informal settlement into a permanent residential area which can be found and recognised on most Cape Town maps. Much hard work still lies ahead for the residents of this Cape Town township, but a process has started which hopefully one day the children of Imizamo Yethu will be able to look back with pride at what was achieved by their parents and community leaders.” Read more.

As you saw, the tour around the settlement showed the traditional dwellings with tin roofs and the more recent brick buildings. It is hard to imagine living in such a confined space and amazing how the people use every inch of space. This is only a short distance from the world famous Hout Bay beaches, which I will share next week. It is sad people so close by are living like this and as many said, the City seems to have forgotten this place.

The people have so little yet are so happy! Everyone we talked to, from adults to kids, were grateful for every little thing. Talking with the kids, although they are growing up in these conditions, they were happier and more genuine than most people I know back home! It was very humbling and nice to get to know more about the township and the people who live there.

Check back next week as we continue on our private day tour, heading to Hout Bay and Cape of Good Hope.