From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base
Kliptown
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Kliptown |
| image_skyline | Kliptown is one of the most destitute areas of the large Soweto township, South Africa, November 2012. (S. Honorine VOA).jpg |
| image_caption | Kliptown in November 2012 |
| pushpin_map | South Africa Gauteng#South Africa |
| coordinates | |
| subdivision_type | Country |
| subdivision_name | South Africa |
| subdivision_type1 | Province |
| subdivision_name1 | Gauteng |
| subdivision_type2 | District |
| subdivision_type3 | Municipality |
| subdivision_name3 | City of Johannesburg |
| subdivision_type4 | Main Place |
| subdivision_name4 | Soweto |
| established_title | Established |
| leader_title | Councillor |
| area_footnotes | |
| area_total_km2 | 0.77 |
| population_footnotes | |
| population_total | 7548 |
| population_as_of | 2011 |
| population_density_km2 | auto |
| demographics_type1 | Racial makeup (2011) |
| demographics1_footnotes | |
| demographics1_title1 | Black African |
| demographics1_info1 | 68.2% |
| demographics1_title2 | Coloured |
| demographics1_info2 | 30.6% |
| demographics1_title3 | Indian/Asian |
| demographics1_info3 | 0.8% |
| demographics1_title4 | White |
| demographics1_info4 | 0.1% |
| demographics1_title5 | Other |
| demographics1_info5 | 0.4% |
| demographics_type2 | First languages (2011) |
| demographics2_footnotes | |
| demographics2_title1 | Afrikaans |
| demographics2_info1 | 32.4% |
| demographics2_title2 | Sotho |
| demographics2_info2 | 20.5% |
| demographics2_title3 | Zulu |
| demographics2_info3 | 14.2% |
| demographics2_title4 | Tswana |
| demographics2_info4 | 6.8% |
| demographics2_title5 | Other |
| demographics2_info5 | 26.0% |
| timezone1 | SAST |
| utc_offset1 | +2 |
| postal_code_type | Postal code (street) |
| postal_code | 1811 |
| postal2_code_type | PO box |
| postal2_code | 1812 |
| area_code_type | Area code |
Kliptown is a suburb of the formerly black township of Soweto in Gauteng, South Africa, located about 17 km south-west of Johannesburg. Kliptown is the oldest residential district of Soweto, and was first laid out in 1891 on land which formed part of Klipspruit farm. The farm was named after the klipspruit (rocky stream) that runs nearby. From 1903 the area was home to informal settlements (squatter camps), and the area now contains a mixture of purpose-built housing and many shacks and other informal homes which form the Chris Hani and Dlamini settlements.
History
In June, 1955, Kliptown was the home of an unprecedented Congress of the People, organised by the African National Congress, the South African Indian Congress, the South African Congress of Democrats and the Coloured People's Congress. This Congress saw the declaration and adoption of the Freedom Charter, which set out the aims and aspirations of the opponents of apartheid.
Economy
In 2005 Kliptown had an unemployment rate of 72%. In that same year Johannesburg City Council announced plans for renewal of the Kliptown area, including a large-scale housing project.
In popular culture
American DJ and producer Skrillex released the single "Kliptown Empyrean" in 2020. Inspired by his experience working with the Kliptown Youth Program alongside the late rapper Riky Rick, the track heavily incorporates samples created with local residents.
Australian author Irma Gold set her 2025-published novel, Shift, in Kliptown.
Transport
Horse and Cart in Kliptown, Soweto.jpg| Horse used as Transportation, Kliptown, Soweto.jpg| Car in Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa.jpg| Car Owners, Kliptown, Soweto.jpg Owner of a Car in Kliptown, Soweto.jpg
References
- Musiker, N. and R., 1999. A Concise Historical Dictionary of Greater Johannesburg, Francolin Publishers, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Johannesburg City Council
- Soweto Kliptown Youth (SKY) Community Center
References
- "Sub Place Kliptown". Census 2011.
- Klein, Naomi. (2007). "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism". Picador.
- "Skrillex Drops 'Kliptown Empyrean', And More Music Could Be On The Way".
This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.
Ask Mako anything about Kliptown — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.
Research with MakoFree with your Surf account
Create a free account to save articles, ask Mako questions, and organize your research.
Sign up freeThis content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.
Report