Today Khayelitsha has an estimated population of 406,779 (as of 2005[update])[8], and runs for a number of kilometres along the N2. The ethnic makeup of Khayelitsha is approximately 90.5% Black African, 8.5% Coloured and 0.5% White, with Xhosa being the predominant language of the residents.[9][10] Khayelitsha has a very young population. Fewer than 7% of its residents are over 50 years old and over 40% of its residents are under 19 years of age. About 75% of residents consider themselves Christian while about 20% follow traditional beliefs and a negligible amount consider themselves Muslim.[11].
The discrimination and black population control by the apartheid regime did not prevent blacks from settling in the outskirts of Cape Town. After the scrapping of pass laws in 1987 many blacks, mainly Xhosas, moved into areas around Cape Town in search of work. By this time many blacks were already illegally settled in townships like Nyanga and Crossroads. As the black population grew, the apartheid regime sought to solve the "problem" by establishing new black neighbourhoods. Khayelitsha was established in 1985 and large numbers of people were forcefully relocated there[5], mostly peacefully,[6] but occasionally accompanied with violence.[7]
Khayelitsha is the home of Baphumelele! One of the most dangerous and largest township in the Cape! Around 70% of residents still live in shacks and one in three people has to walk 200 meters or further to access water. Everyday that I travel to the orphanage I'm reminded that there are still people in life who fight everyday just to have the basic necessities of life. Water, food and shelter... Here in South Africa, although a very beautiful country, you are reminded daily that there are people who are worse off than you. In the U.S we can hide ourselves in our neighborhoods and forget that our brother and sisters are hurting. Here in Cape Town low class, middle class and upper class all live together. You have no choice, but to remain humble!
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