Images of South Africa:See an image of a shanty dwelling in Cape Town, South Africa.
© SoccerphileShanty towns in Cape Town, often referred to as informal settlements, are densely populated areas where many residents live in makeshift housing constructed from corrugated iron, wood, and other scavenged materials. These settlements, such as Khayelitsha and Gugulethu, emerged primarily during the apartheid era due to forced removals, racial segregation, and urban migration, and they continue to grow as people move to the city seeking work and better opportunities. Life in these areas is challenging, with limited access to basic services such as electricity, sanitation, and clean water, though vibrant community networks, local markets, and informal businesses thrive. Shanty towns highlight both the social inequalities and the resilience of communities in Cape Town.
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