A Tour Through the Langa Township

After the Red Cross Hospital we were taken to the Langa Township to see first-hand the conditions most of the injured children come from. We were shown through a number of hostels and shacks that held families in cramped and extremely basic conditions. Overcrowding means paraffin stoves used for cooking and heating are often positioned next to children’s beds, or locations that playing children can easily fall on to.

View of what the shanty houses looks like. 

Cooking up some meat.. 

The conditions in the township were confronting for many of us. Multiple families were often crowded into single room shacks or condemned houses, with minimal hygiene and living facilities. The entrenched inter-generational poverty meant most residents had never, and would never know any other way of life.

Despite the overcrowding and tough conditions, the spirit and resilience shown by many of the township residents shone through. The sound of children playing echoed down the narrow alleyways, with toddlers appearing out of nowhere to hold our hands, be swung around and cast curious eyes over our watches and cameras.

Kids playing with their local "toys"

The little boy seeing his picture on Catherine's phone for the first time. 

Everyone loves swing time!

We were taken to a shebeen (pub) and taught township drinking etiquette. A large can filled with a frothy, fermented alcoholic beverage was passed around, each of us taking turns to blow away the froth and take a sip. It soon became apparent that the trick for us interlopers was to feign a long swig whilst consuming as little as possible. As usual, comedic relief was provided by Catherine, who despite her Irish genes was unable to swallow the noxious concoction. With nowhere to spit and in the glare of our cameras, frantic gestures turned to panic, until a kindly local brought her a tissue.

In the local pub, aka shebeen.

Now for some final words from some of our Phoenix Flyers, it's been a great ride!

Serena:

“This experience has reached my senses in ways I never anticipated.  The physical and mental challenges of 400km cycling was overshadowed by the team dynamics we shared, to seeing into the lives of children living in true poverty and the life-long effect and impact this has in their community.  While the children we met in Langa have no concept of opportunities outside a shanty-town life they are bright, intelligent, creative and talented deserving children.  It has been a privilege to be part of this experience - one that I cannot forget and hope to build on in some way in the future.”

Jason:

“The residents of the Langa township were happy and seemed very welcoming to all of us. As we were being shown around by a local resident, our visit connected us directly with the income we would bring to the stops along the way. The kids were happy and active, and there were lots of them. The best part was the dancing girls and boys, they really enjoyed dancing for us and it was great to see the African Style they had retained. The most confronting stop however was the little shack the beer was made and drank in. Earlier that morning we were told of the issues the communities face with alcoholism, and this being a major contributor to a side of what we had seen in the hospital that morning. I found this confronting as it seemed to be the major pastime of a lot of the males in the township.

Overall the experience was fantastic, I loved the variation in the weather, the hills, the views and even the headwinds. It was great to do it with this bunch, I can’t recall one disagreement for the entire trip!”

Fiona:
“This was an experience that I have truly cherished. Not only did I achieve something I never thought my legs could, but I also got to see the real effect of how something we consider to be so small (a stuffed toy), can have such a great impact on kids who gave grown up with the bare minimum. After visiting the hospital and talking to the nurses, mothers, and children themselves undergoing treatment – this really put everything into perspective and was a really touching moment to see that all of the hard work we have put into raising funds has gone to a terrific cause.”

Local girls dancing in the street :)

David (aka Andy Schleck):

“I was impressed that all the children we saw in the township seemed healthy and happy, despite living in what looked like fairly modest circumstances. There also seemed to be a good sense of community in general.

The whole trip was great fun from beginning to end – there were a few challenging bits (involving rain, mud, hills and/or wind) but they quickly passed.”    

The local boys showing the girls their "gum-boot dance".

Conrad:

“Kids in Township make do with what they have, Little girls playing games with little stones (throwing one up in the air and removing as many stones as they can from the circle and then putting them back in again) and boys running around with planks in tyres.

Although rough circumstances, quite a few smiles and people very welcoming.

Spectacular scenery, wind and rain on the ride and an awesome display of team work - second to none.

Great Team!”

Conrad with our favourite little man!