Langa hostels with Emeritus Prof Julian Cooke

Architect, author and lecturer Julian Cooke spent years working to improve the living conditions in Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. He got to know well people who lived here, some having been murdered because of this housing project – hence the title of his most recent book: For A Home People Die.

The plan, launched in the mid 1980s was to convert migrant workers’ ‘single sex’ hostels into family accommodation in Nyanga and Guguletu as well as in Langa. Some felt that residents only wanted to live in single storey houses. The obstacles were huge.

Pictured with Clarence Mahamba, one of the first leaders of the Hostel Dwellers Association, Julian will bring to sell his highly readable, self published book telling the story of all the highs and lows; R150 per copy. (If you can’t come to the tour and would like a copy, please let me know; it is also available online from Clarkes Books.)

We start at the community centre in the heart of Langa: Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre, King Langalibalele Avenue (previously Washington Avenue), Langa, Cape Town, 7455

R260 per person paying before Thurs 9 Nov, then R350.

This is a new tour for Culture Connect and has nearly sold out.

Do join us for lunch in Langa afterwards at Jordans.