In and Around
Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
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Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
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Theatre, Gallery or Museum
in or near
Somerset West
Walk through an original historic migrant labour hostel. The only preserved hostel in the Wesrtern Cape, Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum is a memorial to the system of migrant labour, single sex hostels and the control of black workers through the identity document which controlled the lives of black South Africans under apartheid - the infamous pass book.
The museum reminds residents and visitors of the horrific living conditions that the migrant labour system imposed. Lwandle was established in 1958 with hostel type accommodation for workers in the nearby fruit and canning industry. These hostels were only intended for single men. Hostels provided very basic accommodation with four to six men occupying a small confined space, with an entire block sharing rudimentary ablution facilities. In the 1980s, as the control of the flow of people from rural areas was eased, these hostels became even more overcrowded. Facilities were not provided to sustain the increased population.
With the onset of democracy in South Africa, the ANC led government turned the hostels of Lwandle into family type accommodation. Residents of the area felt that at least one hostel should be preserved to sustain a memory of how the system of apartheid had operated and decided to establish a museum. On Workers Day (1 May) 2000 the museum was officially opened by the poet and ex-Lwandle resident, Sandile Dikeni. The museum's exhibits commemorate the trials, tribulations and triumphs of migrant workers and hostel life in Southern Africa. Here you can learn more about the migrant labour system, walk through an original historic hostel, meet members of the community and view the whole township on a guided walk.
Address
Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, Old Community Hall, Vulindlela Street, Lwandle - situated on the N2 outside Somerset West (en route to Hermanus and the Garden Route), the museum is just 40 kilometres outside Cape Town.
Contact Details
+27 (021) 845 6119
Website
http://www.lwandle.com
GPS Latitude:
-34.1196744247614 Longitude:
18.8722693920136
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Accommodation near Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
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Vrede Self Catering Accommodation is situated in the private, eco-estate of Boskloof on the eastern fringe of Somerset West. It is modern, stylishly furnished and thoughtfully laid out, ensuring the comfort and privacy of guests.
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