11 Biggest Townships in South Africa
Born out of a difficult past, they’ve grown into communities with strong identities and a deep sense of pride. From the music of Soweto to the street markets of Khayelitsha, these townships are home to millions and play a major role in shaping the country’s culture, economy, and daily life. Each one has its own rhythm, challenges, and stories that reflect the spirit of the people who live there.
Soweto
Soweto, an acronym for South-Western Townships, is South Africa's largest township, located southwest of Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province. Established in the 1930s for Black labourers, it became a crucial center of resistance against apartheid, notably during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Today, Soweto is a vibrant cultural and economic hub, integrated into the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, and home to significant historical sites like Vilakazi Street.
Tembisa
Tembisa, meaning 'promise' in Xhosa, is the second biggest township in South Africa, located north of Kempton Park in the Gauteng Province. Created in 1957 to relocate Black South Africans from surrounding areas, it has a growing retail sector and is experiencing population growth. Initiatives are in place to boost its economy.
Katlehong
Katlehong is the third biggest township in Gauteng Province, located in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. Created in 1945, it is part of the Kathorus area (along with Vosloorus and Thokoza). Despite a history of political violence in the early 1990s, it is now considered one of the most developed townships in South Africa and is home to notable personalities.
Umlazi
Umlazi is the biggest township in KwaZulu-Natal Province, located southwest of Durban. With a history dating back to the 16th century, it became a relocation area for Black residents from Durban during apartheid. Umlazi has a rich Zulu culture and is home to facilities like the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Soshanguve
Soshanguve, an acronym representing Sotho, Shangaan, Nguni, and Venda ethnic groups, is located about 30 km north of Pretoria in the Gauteng Province. Originally named Mabopane East and established in 1965 as a segregated township, it now has a growing informal economy, a Tshwane University of Technology campus, and a vibrant culture known for the Bacardi dance.
Khayelitsha
Khayelitsha, meaning 'new home' in Xhosa, is the largest township around Cape Town and the largest single township in South Africa, located on the Cape Flats. Established in the early 1980s to accommodate migrants and reduce overcrowding, it contains the country's biggest informal settlement and faces challenges with housing and basic services, despite government initiatives.
Mamelodi
Mamelodi, meaning 'Mother of Melodies' in Sepedi, is a township located northeast of Pretoria in the Gauteng Province. Established in 1953, it is home to a mix of communities and was a key area of resistance against apartheid, commemorated at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. Today, Mamelodi is a major tourist destination with educational institutions and is home to the Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
Mitchell's Plain
Mitchell's Plain is a township on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape, established in the early 1970s by the apartheid government for middle-income Coloured families. Initially planned as a structured urban area, it later faced challenges with crime and drug use. Today, it is home to residents of different classes, with initiatives like the MPTCID aimed at stimulating growth.
Ibhayi
Ibhayi, meaning 'the bay' in Xhosa, is a township located north of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province. Established to house Black workers, it includes older areas like New Brighton and smaller townships. Ibhayi has grown but faces challenges with unemployment and poverty, with a largely informal economy, though urban development plans are in place.
Sebokeng
Sebokeng, meaning 'gathering place' in Sesotho, is located in the Sedibeng District Municipality, south of Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province. Created in 1965, it was a center for industrial labour. It has grown significantly with increasing middle-class residents and business centers like Sebokeng Mall, but still faces socio-economic challenges.
Mangaung
Mangaung, meaning 'Place of the Cheetah' in Sesotho, is one of the largest townships in the Free State, located within the larger Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Consisting of several sub-townships, its name became official in 1975. Small businesses are crucial to its local economy, and its residents primarily belong to the Sesotho, Setswana, and isiXhosa communities.