Lwandle, Cape Helderberg
The informal settlement of Lwandle lies close to both Somerset West and Gordons Bay and people who live here are employed in the Helderberg Basin, largely within the building industry, although as many as 60% are still unemployed.
Many of those who live here originally came here under the migrant labour system during the late 1950s from the Eastern Cape province and most residents still live in shacks whilst the government puts approved housing projects into place.
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum has placed the settlement on many visitors’ maps. It is the first of its kind in South Africa to tell the story of hostel life and the migrant labour system - its trials and triumphs. It is housed in what used to be the community hall and a number of travel operators now run tours through the township to take in the museum on their route.
Visits here will include a tour by a local community guide so that there is personal interaction with members of the community, and might include a stop at a local restaurant or a food garden, such as that started by the Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust for orphaned and vulnerable children, which, together with Mama Lumka, cares for a total of 60 children in 10 homes.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Atlantic Sky Villa
Atlantic Sky Villa provides its visitors with a spacious holiday dwelling with a scenic ocean view in Gordons Bay. Stylish, modern and gorgeously...
Villa Sunset Beach
Villa Sunset Beach is situated seven meters from a swimmer-friendly, child-friendly cove with, due to the shallow bay, warmer water than the surr...
At Winkfield House
At Winkfield House, a 4 star graded guest house in Somerset West offers all you need for a fantastic and relaxing holiday. We offer a choice of t...
SomerZicht B&B and Self Catering
SomerZicht is an ideal destination for the discerning guest who appreciates privacy, style, comfort and unsurpassed hospitality. We offer three l...
Afrique Somerset West
Afrique Somerset West is a stylish six sleeper self catering apartment on the beachfront in Strand. The townhouse apartment is based in a securit...
Spanish Farm Villas
Spanish Farm Villas are situated on Spanish Farm and offers comfortable Somerset West accommodation. Spanish Farm is the ideal base from which to...
La Felicita Mansion
La Felicita Mansion is a grand dame that dominates the Main Estate. The house offers guests comfortable self catering in Somerset West. It has a ...
Cardamom House
Boasting beautiful sea views from all areas, Cardamom House offers accommodation for four guests. The house is just 500m from Bikini Beach and is...
Things to do in the area
Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum is 40 kilometres (30 miles) outside Cape Town. It is a memorial to the system of migrant labour, single sex hos...
Lwandle Township Walking Tour
Join our township walk. Starting from the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, the guided walk includes meeting the residents, visiting the Hector Pete...
Somerset Mall
Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West through to Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainmen...
Noteworthy attractions
Helderberg Wine Route
The 25 members of the Helderberg route follow distinctly different methods of growing grapes, from a 300-year old historical cellar to state-of-t...
Cape Helderberg Beaches
Where? The eastern coast of False Bay, ± 45 minutes from Cape Town. Includes Gordons Bay, Strand, Bikini beach, Kogel Bay. Go there for family ou...
Erinvale Golf Club
Having proudly hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1996 and twice the SAA open of Golf, Erinvale falls into the premium category of course. Designed ...
Somerset West Golf Club
Somerset West Golf Club is the oldest golf club in the area. It was officially founded in 1908. Until about 1985 the course was divided into 11 a...
Strand Golf Club
This golf course is situated close to the sandy beaches of the False Bay in a peaceful area surrounded by sea and mountains. Ducks and swans glid...
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The 42,000 ha Reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north, and from the Stellenbosch mountains in the west, eas...
Somerset Mall
Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West through to Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainmen...
Helderberg Wine Estates
The Helderberg Region is part of the wine-producing hub of the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape. It comprises the Strand, Somerset West and Gor...
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Set on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains, this 402 hectare reserve is a beautiful escape with breathtaking views, sef guided walks,...
Find accommodation in Lwandle
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Helderberg Accommodation / Lwandle Accommodation