Khayelitsha

Khayelitsha at a glance

Khayelitsha, which translates to "new home" in isiXhosa. The ethnic makeup of Khayelitsha is approximately 99.5% Black African, 0.47% Coloured and 0.03% White, with Xhosa being the predominant language of the residents. Khayelitsha has a very young population, with fewer than 7% of its residents being over 50 years old and over 40% of its residents being under 19.

According to Lightstone there are 376 929 adults of which 231 277 are economically active. In terms of an estimated wealth bracket distribution, 6,25% are earning between R12 000 and R48 000 per month, while 93,75% earns less than R12 000 p.m.

1. History of Khayelitsha

Plans to build Khayelitsha were first announced by Dr Piet Koornhof in 1983, then Minister of Co-operation and Development. By 1985, the suburb Site C had 30,000 people. Khayelitsha was one of the apartheid regime's final attempts to enforce the Group Areas Act and was seen as the solution to two problems: the rapidly growing number of migrants from the Eastern Cape and overcrowding in other Cape Town townships. 

2. Location – Accessibility

Khayelitsha is the largest township in Cape Town Metro’s Southeast (part of the Cape Flats) region and is approximately 35 km from the CBD. It is bordered by the N2 highway to the north, the False Bay Coast along Baden Powel Drive to the south, and by Mitchell’s Plain to the west. 

3. Khayelitsha Property Market

There are 48 583 registered freehold properties in Khayelitsha and no sectional title units or freehold property in estates. Median prices have increased from R135 000 (2015) to R263 000 (May R2025) – that is by 94,8% during the last decade or on average by 9,5% per year.

The number of annual registrations in Khayelitsha has been steadily climbing from 2015 (4015) to 735 in 2024 – reaching a height of 1 345 registrations after CV-19 (2022)

Period of Ownership:

According to Lightstone, 82% of the existing property owners have been living for more than 11 years in their houses, 4% (8-10 years), 5% (5-7 years) and 10% for less than 5 years.

Age of Homeowners:

Stable owners: 42,79% is older than 65  /  40,07% is between 50 & 64  /  14,9% is between 36 & 49, while only 2,24% is between 18 & 35.

Recent buyers: 3,39% is older than 65  /  21,82% is between 50 & 64  /  46,34% is between 36 & 49, while 28,46% is between 18 & 35.

Recent Sellers: 28,59% is older than 65  /  34,96% is between 50 & 64  /  15,99% is between 36 & 49, while 20,46% is between 18 & 35.

4. Lifestyle in Khayelitsha 

Khayelitsha is a bustling township with a strong sense of community. Residents and visitors alike can experience the rich cultural heritage of the area through various activities and attractions. 

Attend local events, like festivals and markets, to experience the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit. 

4.1        Things to Do in Khayelitsha - Attractions

From cultural experiences to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone. 

- Monwabisi Beach: Enjoy the scenic views and relaxing atmosphere of this popular beach WHICH features the largest man-made tidal pool in the Southern Hemisphere. There is also paddling pools and a pavilion, with kiosks and ablution facilities.

- Bike Tours: Explore the township on two wheels with guided bike tours, such as those offered by ABCD Concepts. 

- Art Tours: Discover the vibrant street art scene in Khayelitsha with guided tours, such as Juma Art Tours.

- Khayelitsha Craft Market:  At St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in the heart of Khayelitsha, you can purchase many curios, pottery, beadwork, paintings, baskets and many more items all handcrafted by the township residents.

- 18 Gangster Museum: This interactive museum provides a glimpse into the township's history and culture, with a focus on local gangsterism. It has the sole purpose of turning children and teenagers in these types of communities away from the option of joining a gang by exposing what real gang life is about and the gravity of the repercussions.

- Wolfgat Nature Reserve covers 248 hectares and was declared a Reserve in 1986. The site of the reserve which dates back over 40 000 years is rich in fossils and now protects the spectacular coastline and limestone cliffs along Baden Powell Drive.

- Khayelitsha Canoe Club - the first of its kind in a South African township, where water sports are rare. The club, which teaches the youth of the community since 2013 about paddling as a sport, has grown tremendously and a favourite offering amongst the kids is canoe polo.

- The Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy uses cycling to provide children of impoverished communities with essential life skills and opportunities. The facility in Khayelitsha includes a BMX track, as well as a gym equipped with advanced cycling equipment, and a learning center.

- Waves for Change provides youth development programmes in troubled ocean-side communities, using surfing as the focal point and reaching weekly around 160 young people from Khayelitsha.

- Another organisation that is helping the youth through sport is Grassroot Soccer.

4.2    Food and Drink:
Sample local cuisine and drinks, such as traditional South African dishes and
craft beer as well as speciality coffee shops. 

• Siki's Koffee Kafe in Khayelitsha is a hidden gem, offering top-notch coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. This POC-led business supports the local community while serving delicious coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. With excellent reviews, it's a must-visit spot in Khayelitsha for coffee lovers and entrepreneurs alike. 
• The Milk Restaurant and Bar is a trendy, three-story venue offering fine dining, live music, and great cocktails. With stunning views, delicious dishes, and a lively atmosphere, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Enjoy wine, dine, and lounge experiences in a welcoming space.
• Koffee Khaltsa is a vibrant speciality coffee shop whose mission is to introduce the “Khaltsha” (culture) of coffee in townships while offering a beautiful vibrant space for meetings, networking, and arts – at the Khayelitsha mall (Julius Tshala Street)
• Spinach King in Khayelitsha (just opposite Koffee Khaltsa) is a pioneering deli promoting healthy eating with spinach-infused products like bread, muffins, and juices. Founded by Lufefe Nomjana, it's a popular spot for nutritious options, supporting local business and enjoying gluten-free treats with passionate staff in a welcoming atmosphere 

• Café Ngova Pub & Grill Restaurant
• Department of Coffee since 2012 the first artisan coffee shop in Khayelitsha. Serving great coffee close to the Khayelitsha Train Station – passionate about their lattes, cappuccinos, freezochinos, and flat whites.
• Rands Cape Town known and loved amongst locals for its tasty traditional food, live entertainment and braaiing, 7 days a week. Shop 6 Khaya Bazaar, Makhabeni Road.
• King Steak is predominantly inspired by the local heritage. Serving a variety of ‘kasi-urban’ (urban township) foods from African meals, braai (barbecue) meat, buffets, and breakfast.
• Kefu’s Jazz Pub & Grill pub, restaurant and B&B that offers delicious, locally inspired steakhouse-style meals, as well as the best in Jazz, Soul and African music.

4.3    School Options in Khayelitsha 

Khayelitsha offers 52 school options for parents, including preschools, primary schools, and high schools. Here are some of the top-rated schools in the area: 

Preschools 

· Zenzeleni Pre-School for Creative Education: Fosters creativity and early childhood development.

Primary Schools 

· Ikhusi Primary School: Located in Victoria Merge, offering primary education. 

· Ikhwezi Lesizwe Primary School: Situated in Village 1 North, providing primary education. 

· Nomsa Mapongwana Primary School: Located in Mandela Park, offering primary education. 

· Sivuyiseni Public Primary School: Situated in Mandela Park, focusing on primary education. 

· Homba Primary School: Located in Village 1 North, offering primary education ³. 

High Schools 

· Uxolo High School: Located in Mandela Park, offering secondary education. 

· Centre of Science & Technology (COSAT) is the Western Cape's first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) college, this public institution excels academically. Catering to Grade 8-12 learners, particularly those aspiring to pursue science, medical, and engineering professions, it received recognition as the top-performing township institution at a Metro East Education District (MED) event.

· Siphamandla Senior Secondary School offers a holistic environment with dedicated staff and excellent facilities. It offers a thriving educational community with over 40 teachers and 1115 students.

· Manyano High School’s curriculum emphasises local knowledge alongside global awareness.

· Zola Business School has a dedicated focus on business, commerce, and management subjects.

· Luhlaza Secondary School: Situated in Village 1 North, focusing on maths, science, and technology. 

· Joe Slovo Engineering High School: Located in Village 1 North, offering engineering and technology disciplines, providing well-equipped facilities and resources for practical learning.

· Manzomthombo Secondary School: A high school in Cape Town with a rating of 3.9. 

· Bulumko Secondary School: Located in Village 2 North, focusing on maths, science, and technology. 

· Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School focuses on mathematics, science, and technology subjects.

 Special Needs Schools 

· Lathi-Tha School of Skills: Located in Khayelitsha, offering special needs education. 

· Khayelitsha LSEN School: Situated on Makabeni Road, providing special needs education . 

 Parents in Khayelitsha can explore these options to find the best fit for their children's educational needs. 

4.4    Shopping Convenience

Khayelitsha Mall is in Khayelitsha CBD and has more than 80 retail stores. Some of the Anchor tenants include Shoprite, Super Spar, PEP, Ackerman’s, Mr. Price, JET, KFC, Halfway Toyota, and all major bank branches.

Nonkqubele Link Mall - national retailers compromise 94 percent of the tenant profile, with anchor tenant Shoprite, occupying 3 000 square metres. Other tenants include Ackermans, Pep and Dunns, as well as an Ellerines furniture store.

Makhaza Shopping Center is anchored by Shoprite and other nationals such as PEP Stores, Debonair, Liquor City, etc. This retail centre offers plenty of onsite parking and an added bonus of being close to transport links of taxis and an Engen Petrol station neighbouring the centre.

Khaya Corner Mall Spar and 11 other stores such as KFC and The Courier Guy.

4.5    Healthcare Availability

Khayelitsha has several hospitals and medical facilities that provide quality healthcare services. Here are some of the top-rated hospitals, medical facilities and doctors in the area:   

Hospitals 

- Khayelitsha District Hospital: Located on Steve Biko Road, this hospital provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, maternity services, and general medicine. Contact: 021 360 4200. 

- Khayelitsha Hospital Complex: A comprehensive healthcare facility offering various medical services. 

- Cecilia Makiwane Hospital: A reputable hospital providing quality medical care. 

- Mitchell's Plain Hospital: A well-equipped hospital offering a range of medical services. 

- Lentegeur Hospital: A hospital providing mental health services and other medical care.   

Doctors

- Dr. Bikitsha M V: Located at 170 Ntlazane Road, Elitha Park, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 364 7079. 

- Dr. Govan A: Situated on Sulani Drive, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 1171. 

- Dr. Mawisa PS: Located on Ngimba Street, Khayelitsha Site C. 

- Dr. Ngambu NQ: Situated at Khayelitsha Medical Centre, Sulani Road. Contact: 021 361 0130. 

- Dr. Duma N E: Located at Aa114 Towntwo, Griffiths Dekalontloko Mxenge, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 0224. 

- Dr. Mathe VN: Situated at 3 Mavu Road, Ekuphumleni, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 3464. 

  Medical Facilities  

- Unyango Lwemvelo Treatment Centre: Located at Site J218, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 1421. 

- Khayelitsha Midwife Obstetric Unit: Situated on Lwandle Road, Site B, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 3480. 

- Michael Mapongwana Midwife Obstetrics Unit: Located on Steve Biko Road, Harare, Khayelitsha. Contact: 021 361 3394 . 

- Nolungile Community Health Centre: A healthcare facility offering various medical services.  

Suburbs in Khayelitsha:

Khayelitsha has been split into about 22 areas. It is made up of Makhaza, Kuyasa, Harare, Makhaya, Town Two, Ilitha Park, Site B (consisting of the newer K-Z sections) and Site C.

Khayelitsha is made up of old formal areas and new informal/formal areas. The old formal areas were built originally by the apartheid government and are known as A-J sections also called 'Khayelitsha' proper including Bongweni, Ikwezi Park, Khulani Park, Khanya Park, Tembani, Washington Square, Graceland, Ekuphumleni and Zolani Park. These areas are mostly made up of bank bonded housing and are home to middle-class / upper working class populations.

The newer areas have been built up around the older areas. They include Site B (which is further subdivided into the K-Z sections in continuation of the original A-J sections respectively and TR, QQ, RR and BM informal settlements), Site C, Green Point, Litha Park, Mandela Park, Makaza, Makaya and Harare. With the exception of Litha Park, these areas contain a high number of informal settlements, RDP houses, and informal backyard dwellers.

Notable informal settlements in Khayelitsha include QQ Section, TR Section, RR Section and Enkanini

Future Prospects:

Khayelitsha's past is marked by historical injustices and socio-economic challenges. However, with ongoing development initiatives and a focus on economic growth, innovative urban planning, and community resilience, the future prospects for Khayelitsha look promising. Addressing the challenges ahead will require sustained efforts from government, business, and civil society to create a thriving and sustainable community . 

Several initiatives are underway to transform Khayelitsha into a thriving suburb:

- Khayelitsha Community Trust: Established to upgrade Khayelitsha and unlock its economic potential.

- Khayelitsha Business District: A R380 million development aimed at leveraging private investment and generating job opportunities.

- Public Transport Infrastructure: The City of Cape Town is investing in public transport infrastructure, including the extension of the MyCiTi service to the metro-south east.

- Building Plans: In the 2021/2022 financial year, the City approved 3,379 building plans for Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, with an estimated value of R1.7 billion.