Meaning of the name:
Gugulethu (our pride) is one of the oldest black townships in South Africa. It was established as a result of the migrant labor system. Gugulethu grew as the number of migrant workers from the Transkei increased and Langa became too small.

When established: In 1958 Nyanga West was established and was late known as Gugulethu. The people were allocated rooms in the hostels designed in zones. In these hostels three men had to share a tiny single room. The hostels were for men only, no wives were allowed to visit their husbands. Women were left behind in the former Transkei and Ciskei homelands. Even though women have started living with their husbands in the hostels, the conditions are not good. Families have to share a bathroom and a kitchen. As the results of these poor living conditions most the migrant workers moved out of the hostels and build themselves shacks for privacy. Later formal houses with four rooms were built to accommodate some of the people. The hostels remain the oldest building in Gugulethu.

Brief history:
Poverty, oppression and overcrowding characterized life in Gugulethu under the apartheid rule. The schools were not equipped and under funded. The housing lacked both electricity and proper plumbing up until the 1980's. In 1976 during the uprisings Gugulethu students protested against the use of Afrikaans as the first language in schools. On 3 March 1986, seven young activists were ambushed in a roadblock set up by police in NY-1 Street. The "Gugulethu Seven" as they are known, is one of the most callous examples of security forces operations. On 25 August 1993 Gugulethu became the focus of the international media when American student Amy Bielh was attacked and killed by a mob of students returning from the political rally. The matter was brought before the Truth and Reconstruction Commission under Bishop Desmond Tutu and later, the killers were granted amnesty.

Where it is and access routes:
Gugulethu or 'Gugs' is situated about twenty kilometers from Cape Town (ten to fifteen minutes drive). It is accessible from Cape Town or Belleville via the N2. Turn off the N2 into Morderdam Road and then left to join Valhalla Drive that leads straight to NY-1. NY-1 is one of the longest and the famous roads in the area.

Current Affairs / Development:
It can be argued that Gugulethu is one of the fast developing townships in the South Africa. The Nyanga Junction shopping complex situated in Nyanga station was crated as an economic engine for the area. It serves not only Gugulethu but also the surrounding townships such as Philippi and Manenberg. Gugs became the first black township to have an information technology center. Ikhwezi (the star) Community center is situated just net to the Yellow Door jazz club in NY-3. The center provides with top class training in multimedia and youth development programs. The area has a sport field, community centers and schools.

What to see - major attractions / people - tourism:
Siviyile is the tourism information center in Gugulethu situated at the corner of NY-1 and NY-4. Sivuyile ("we are happy") opened an art and craft shop in 1999 and assists college art students and local artist. It also serves as a photographic gallery. Young artists in the community produce sculptures, ceramics, beadwork, traditional clothing and textiles.

Where to eat - tourism:
People can eat at Cyn catering services, which specialized in traditional food. Skilled unemployed people are involved in the cooking, baking and waitressing. People can also dine at the Meat Market situated at Ezoni the oldest building in Gugulethu. Different kinds of meat are served varying from sheep heads to the African cultural feast "umbengo" or braai. The market also serves as an entertainment center, it provides pool games and a number of shebeens.

Where to stay - tourism:
Although there is not much tourist accomodation in Gugulethu, one might feel the hospitality of township life at Salmonberry Guest house situated at 24 Dubua Crescent in Station Park just next to the Heideveld rail station. There are several licensed shebeens in Gugs and a vast number of illegal ones that operate as social entertainment joints for both locals and tourists. People use shebeens to have a drink and chat about politics, music or soccer. Popza's Place and Frances in NY 3A are highly recommended. Frances started operating illegally in the late seventies. What to buy: Gugulethu has the the Ubuntu arts promotion and Cyn Catering service situated at the Yellow Door Jazz Café. It is popular for its drama, art and craft stalls, marimba music and top class jazz. Ubuntu (humanity) is a community-based organization, established to promote township tourism by bringing local people together. Tour operators working in the area Kuyasa Tours and Shuttles Contact - MR M.E HENDA NY108-8A (021-6338378)