Langa

LANGA


On Sunday we met Chippa who took us to Langa. Our first stop was the community centre where we saw a lovely lady paint pottery to sell to get income. Then we learnt how to play African drums which was a lot of fun even though a lot of us lost the rhythm.

Then Chippa took us to visit Langa museum where we learnt a lot about the laws that were made that were only for blacks. We were shocked to find out that in 1984 a law was passed to have a playground built for children in the black community. We also learnt a lot about pass books that were out in place by the government to stop the blacks from mixing with the whites when they weren't working. Then we were told that Mandela wanted to banish this law and that was his first political act.

We were then taken around Langa where a lot of children came to greet us and give us a lot of hugs and high fives.

We then went to a local pub where we tried some home brewed beer made by the local women for the men to drink. Almost everyone tried it and enjoyed it! After trying the beer we went to a flat with six rooms within three families of 4-6 lived in one room. The rooms weren't any bigger than two pool tables! 

Our last stop of the tour was to the Happy Feet Project. The Happy Feet Project was set up by Chippa and his friends. This was set up to get the kids off the streets and to dance. The kids involved put on a performance of many different dances, there was a very talented young girl playing an African drum to provide the music. There were also the boys dancing with wellies which created an amazing sound and was really impressive! 

This tour was really eye opening for all of us as it showed that we are all very well off and there are people in the world who's parents can't even afford proper food and clothes for their children.  

Rikke and Anna, Group 2 x