Tokoza
Introduction
Thokoza, also written Tokoza, is a township in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, sitting on the ground once occupied by the defunct Palmietfontein Airport. It lies south east of Alberton and next to Katlehong, and it holds a particular place in the region's history as the first black township established in the South.
The early 1990s brought Thokoza to the centre of unrest between supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the African National Congress, a period that shaped the township's identity. Its position beside Katlehong and its proximity to Alberton make it part of the wider eastern Gauteng urban spread.
Three days in Tokoza
Day one: Start by getting your bearings in Tokoza, a township in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Walk through the streets to understand the layout and the character of the neighbourhood, and take time to talk with residents about daily life in the area. In the afternoon, look toward nearby Katlehong and Alberton to see how Tokoza sits within the wider urban fabric of Ekurhuleni.
- Walk the streets of Tokoza to get oriented
- Spend time in Katlehong and Alberton to see the surrounding area
Day two: Use the day to learn about Tokoza's political history. The African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party both have a presence in the story of the township, and local accounts will help you understand the tensions and changes that shaped the community. Ask residents and local guides to explain how these organisations affected life in Tokoza.
- Learn about the roles of the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party in the area
- Speak with locals about the township's political past
Day three: Round off your stay by looking at Tokoza's connections to the wider region. Palmietfontein Airport and the transport links through Ekurhuleni and Gauteng show how the township relates to the rest of the province. Take a final walk through Tokoza before you leave, and use the time to reflect on what you have learned about the area and its people.
- Consider the township's links to Palmietfontein Airport and the wider Gauteng region
- Take a last walk through Tokoza before departing