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
61 on Suikerbossie
Visit 61 on Suikerbossie, a wonderful 2-bedroom apartment tucked away in the quaint coastal village of Gordons Bay. This large apartment provides...
Hibernian Towers 408
Hibernian Towers 408 offers self catering accommodation for two guests. The apartment has one bedroom which is furnished with a Queen-size bed. T...
Luxury Ocean View 1203
Located just a few steps from Strand Beach, Luxury Ocean View 1203 provides beachfront accommodation in Strand with an outdoor swimming pool, bar...
Spanish Farm Rose Cottage
Spanish Farm Rose Cottage is situated on Spanish Farm and offers comfortable Somerset West accommodation with lovely views of the Helderberg Moun...
Glen Abbey Apartments
Set in a tranquil garden overlooking the first tee and Fairway of the 18-hole World Championship Golf Course, Erinvale. The exquisitely furnished...
Seaview Sunset Apartment One
Seaview Sunset Apartment One offers accommodation in Gordons Bay with breathtaking mountain views to the stunning oceanscapes of False Bay. At ni...
Golden Hill Guest House
The Golden Hill Guest House, a guest house dedicated to your comfort, lies in Somerset West, just 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport...
Albourne Guest House
Albourne Guest House in Somerset West is a charming 4 Star Cape Dutch style residence set in large landscaped gardens close to Erinvale Golf Cour...
Cape Vermeer
Cape Vermeer is a fully renovated hotel located next to the Helderberg Nature Reserve with spectacular views from the suites or private terraces....
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,...
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