During apartheid, the white-controlled minority government forced non-white residents out of the centers of cities. Townships were built on the outskirts of cities, allowing the government to keep the non-white residents ‘contained’, yet close enough to commute to work.

The townships were overcrowded, houses were poorly built, and many lacked basic services like running water and electricity. These harsh living conditions caused many residents to band together into a strong community, working to end the unfair practices of apartheid.

Townships still exist as suburbs of most South African cities. Some, like Soweto, are showing an increase in wealthy residents, and are becoming more developed. However, there are still poor living conditions and widespread poverty in all townships in South Africa.

Copyright © ProjectExplorer 2007
Text: John Stokvis
Image: Meredith Claire