Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s biggest township, embodies a vibrant mix of culture, creativity, and community at every turn. Just off the N2, it lets visitors explore its art, music, cuisine, stories, and, most importantly, the people who make it what it is.
Buntu Matole, co-founder of ABCD Concepts and a proud Khayelitsha local, knows exactly where to go. He takes us beyond the usual tourist trail, sharing the places, stories and experiences that bring the neighbourhood to life. Together with his team, Buntu creates community-led experiences that bring visitors to the heart of Langa and Khayelitsha.
“Khayelitsha has it all and is worth exploring. It has culture, history, entrepreneurship, the movement, heritage, and its people,” he says.
Buntu founded ABCD Concepts in 2015 with a simple mission: to shine a light on local communities and to provide a platform for their incredible talent.
“It always feels heartwarming to share a part of ourselves with visitors,” he says.
So, where does a Khayelitsha local go when he wants to show visitors the best of the neighbourhood? Here are a few of Buntu’s favourite spots to add to the list:
Khayelitsha Remembrance Square
In the early 1980s, people protested against being forced to move to this once-sandy, barren land by singing a song by the late Winston Mankuku, titled Asiyi eKhayelitsha. At the memorial square, take a walk down memory lane and view mosaic artworks depicting this historical struggle of protest and resettlement.
“This is where everyone can come to learn about the community, its origins, and where people have moved from. It provides a good history lesson on the area and its people,” says Buntu.
Location: At the corner of Walter Sisulu Drive and Steve Biko Road in Khayelitsha
Price: Free
Isivivana Centre
The Khayelitsha Youth & Community Centre is a lively cultural and community hub with plenty to explore. Supported by Atlantic Philanthropies and run by the Khayelitsha Youth & Community Centre (KYCC) Trust, it brings together a library, cinema, café and outdoor amphitheatre, making it a great place to spend time and soak up the local atmosphere.
Buntu also has another reason to stop by: a striking painting tucked away at the back of the centre.
“She is a village girl who has just visited the city. She has a view of the entire neighbourhood. She wants to work out how things work because she is new. It’s a very introspective piece,” he explains.
Location: 8 Mzala Street, at the corner of Mzala and Julius Tsholo Streets, Khayelitsha
Price: Free entry. However, rates apply for some experiences and events.
Website: isivivanacentre.org.za/
Siki’s Koffee Kafe
Founded by Sikelela Dibela, Siki’s Koffee Kafe is on a mission to create positive change, one coffee at a time. The café has become a place for people to meet, connect and spend time together in the community. Coffee lovers can also expect beans sourced from Ethiopia, Kenya and Burundi.
For Buntu, it’s what happens beyond the coffee that makes the place special.
“This is more than a coffee shop. This is where culture is grown. We don’t have coffee shops around, and this is a first of its kind,” he says.
Drop by for one of Siki’s signature brews and meet some of the young creatives shaping Khayelitsha’s cultural scene.
Location: 7 Ntaba Street, Khayelitsha
Price: From R30
Website: www.facebook.com/SikisKoffeeKafe/
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Book Your Tour
To make the most of your experience, we recommend booking a tour with local guides who know the area well and can show you some of the best that Khayelitsha has to offer.
Book your tour with ABCD Concepts. Call +27 67 044 4631 or email contact@abcd-concepts.co.za.
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