Tag Archives: poverty

2 Videos: Cape Flats Township Struggles

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Township Lessons from the Cape of Good Hope tells the powerful story of people living in the Cape Flats area outside of Cape Town, South Africa. It’s 20 years after Apartheid. How do township residents in slums cope with crime, unemployment and poverty in a country still very much struggling with racism, underdevelopment and inequality? The Dorp (The Real Cape Town): A society challenged by gang violence and drug abuse but with people that want to make a difference. We follow four characters representing four generations (childhood, youth, adulthood and … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Life is Tough in Knysna's White Location

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The challenge of living in White Location (“Witlokasie” in Afrikaans) is in the news. White Location is one of Knysna’s poorest suburbs yet ironically closest to middle class suburbia. Ahead of the 2016 Municipal Elections and on the day the DA’s Mmusi Maimane paid a visit, journalist Tammy Petersen was there to interview residents. Here’s an extract: LIFE HASN’T CHANGED “I’m telling you, this place is exactly the same as it was over 10 years ago, except a couple of houses have been built for a few people. I am … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Housing Shortage: 21 People in 1 House

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The 21 people living on this property are a strong example of Knysna’s housing shortage. Karatara is a rural community within the Knysna Municipality where approximately 1000 people stay. Last week, I blogged that the government said that there was to be no housing built there for the next 10 years. I then blogged about Karatara’s poverty and used the example of Senna Morris’ family who had no water, electricity and sewerage services. I also complained about the awful gravel roads but am pleased to say that, on my return … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Poverty in Karatara, Knysna

Mike Hampton Posted on by

There was much debate and interest in the rural town of Karatara (Knysna) after I blogged that the government had decided that its approximate 1000 residents were a non-viable community and that there would be no housing for at least 10 years. Today, I’m hoping to show you the human aspect, something you can relate to. I’ve been to Karatara several times but driving through and out is not the same as walking and talking to its residents. At a Wimpy meeting with ICOSA, Knysnas newest political contenders, they mentioned … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Conquering the Knysna undynamic

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Initially, I began writing this as an introduction to a social project I was proposing to the new mayor of Knysna, the DA’s Georlene Wolmarans. Instead, it became an opinion about the poor state of Knysna and a mission statement for change. We are a society divided by colour, economics and abusers of power. We have to seek union. The mayor never saw me despite her electioneering “open door” policy. It reminded me of my recent, negative experience with Shaun van Eck, the CEO of Knysna Tourism. I will write … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!