Every Sunday, the township of Langa comes alive with music and dance as the community gathers for church. It’s a joyous celebration of gospel singing that everyone is welcome to attend.
But why just attend when you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and connect with the local community? Camissa Tour Company offers a 4-hour gospel tour, which not only takes you to church but also lets you explore the surrounding streets and meet the people who call it home.
The tour starts with a stop at District 6. This historical site is one of Cape Town’s most important, as a whole community was forcibly removed from the area due to the Group Areas Act.
Afterwards, it’s off to church, where you’ll experience an uplifting, uniquely South African spiritual experience with a young and dynamic congregation.
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And of course, it’s filled with music and energy that will lift your spirits. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning, even if you’re not religious.
After the service, the tour continues with a guided walk through the town. The Camissa Tour Company takes pride in not being voyeuristic, and their tours have the buy-in of the community.
The guides themselves live in Langa, so you’ll meet their friends and neighbours as you explore the area.
The walking tour starts opposite the Langa Heritage Museum, the old pass office where black people were required to collect ‘dompasses’ to be considered legal residents in the city.
You’ll also experience the cramped hostels and newer government housing developments.
The township has a busy industry, including herbalists, traditional healers, meat markets, cell-phone repair stores and barber shops, to name a few.
The tour ends with a visit to Joe Slovo, briefly going to Bonteheuwel and Gugulethu, past the statues of local heroes, the Gugulethu 7, before heading back to the city.
The Gospel Tour with Camissa Tour Company is an experience that connects you with the heart of the Langa community. It’s a soulful and culture-rich experience that anyone, foreign and fellow South Africans, can enjoy.
Details:
- When: Sundays 8:30/9am to 12:30/1pm
- Cost: R770 per person (half price for under 12s)
- Website: gocamissa.co.za
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Picture: Camissa Tours