Cape Flats Destinations & Attractions
Aptly named for its flat landscape, this part of Cape Town is steeped in history, culture and heritage. Some of the history is sad, even tragic. But, it is essential to tell – both for the residents that need to purge themselves of the agony of yesteryear, and for the benefit and enrichment of those that visit the Cape Flats.
During the Apartheid regime, non-white residents of Cape Town were forcibly removed from their homes and transferred to areas that were not only out of the way, but lacked facilities and amenities for safe, hygienic living. The Cape Flats was one of these areas, and was initially reserved for the black and coloured inhabitants of the city. Today, things have changed considerably, but the Cape Flats remain in need of facilities and maintenance. Still, it has yielded a culture and vibe all its own, and is unique in its appeal.
The local residents are known for their incredibly well-developed sense of humour. In fact, there is an entire genre that is founded solidly amongst this Western Cape community.
Because of its past, the current Cape Flats’ community is extremely diverse. Locals speak English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and a variety of other African languages. Religious affiliations range from Christian to Islam to traditional Xhosa practices. This gives the area a colourful charm that is hard to resist.
The famous townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha are part of the Cape Flats. These townships are enormous, and formal tours of them take the better part of a day to complete. The roads (often pot-holed or made from gravel) are lined with shacks constructed with corrugated iron sheets and board. Shops and even hair salons are set up in shipping containers on almost every street corner. Children play freely in the street, between informal vegetable and fruit vendors. Within these townships, there are a number of tourist attractions; including the Gugulethu Seven Memorial, Manyanani Peace Park (in Khayelitsha), and Mzoli's Place (Gugulethu). Experiencing these local hotspot means enjoying a very real, personal South African township experience.
In addition, the Cape Flats is home to a number of natural areas that are of major significance to the local ecology. The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is extremely popular amongst bird-watchers, while the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve includes a massive freshwater lake. These add a beauty and natural diversity that is extremely valuable to the area.
Athlone, Grassy Park, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain and Kuils River are also part of the historical centre of the Cape Flats.
To learn more about the Cape Flats visit this link.
