This year marks 100 years since the launch of Langa township and plans are underway to ensure the milestone is celebrated in style.
While there are no specific dates, the launch is expected in February, with the main event scheduled for September.
An 18-member committee from various community structures has been set up to steer preparations. Committee members include sport, art and culture, tourism, and business among others.
The committee was established in November last year and has been hard at work to ensure that the oldest township in the province celebrates the achievement in style.
According to reports, Langa was established in 1923. The first group of people moved into the area from Ndabeni and other areas in 1923.
However, the area was officially recognised in 1927 under the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the “pass laws”) which was designed to force Africans to move from their homes into segregated locations.
Langa was named after the AmaHlubi Chief Langalibalele, who in 1837 was imprisoned in Robben Island for rebelling against the Natal government.
Langa organising committee spokesperson Alfred Magwaca urged all the people who wished to be part of the event to come forward.
He stated that the deadline for all those who wanted to be part of the occasion was on Friday 3 February.
“We want people to be aware of what is going to happen during the main occasion. The launch will be more about entertainment. We want to create hype about the bigger event,” he stated.
Magwaca said Langa has a lot of history that most people did not know of. He said it is high time for the community to tell the world their stories, not the other way around.
He added that the major event would be divided into various categories. He said the programme would be about educating the community about the background of the area and also celebrating all their legends in the sports and entertainment industry.