More township pictures

A few weeks ago Rachel and Elizabeth, two PTS students who are in Jo'burg for the summer, flew in to spend a few days in Cape Town. Because I have become the apostle of Xolani's township tours, I recommended we do that when the ladies' Robben Island trip was cancelled because of rough seas. Because there had been such heavy rains the previous week (which kind of spoiled the ladies' trip, although they did get half of a day with clear skies and views) the informal settlment areas were in rough shape. The house they are pictured in (Elizabeth left, Rachel middle, and Crawford) was the worst one I had been in. Water was leaking in from everywhere, dripping from the holey ceiling, through the wood and cardboard walls, and up from the ground. This was a week before the heavy rains that flooded my car, so I am sure it got worse. In the third picture we have the main resident talking with Xolani. He had been taken in by his neighbors when the rains got heavy and started leaking in. From the pictures, you can't imagine someone living here.

The next picture is of a loft bed constructed in one of the former hostels, which as you can see is probably not too safe, stacked three beds high. This is done because there are multiple families sharing this single room! This is particularly complicated because people rise at different times and have to bathe out in the outhouse and change in the room. No such thing as privacy.

Just by way of contrast, the last two pictures are of the interior of some newer places that have been built recently. It is rare that people are able to put money away in savings, but the fortunate ones who have good jobs and are able to do this are able to get in on new homes being built, which look very good on the inside. The fridge below is particularly nice looking.