Kayamandi is located on the northern outskirts of Stellenbosch and is regarded as the second oldest township in South Africa claiming its first inhabitants as early as 1940. The dominant inhabitants of Kayamandi are Xhosa speaking and the name Kayamandi translates to “sweet home“.
Following discussions which started in 1921, a location to accommodate black people in Stellenbosch was established in 1936 and formally recognized in 1941 whose year-end saw 55 houses built for the inhabitants. 1942 saw the municipality moving black people from areas designated for Coloureds. 1971 saw 117 houses (37 for married and 79 as hostels) being built.
Attractions in Kayamandi:
Culture:
Most of the community members in Kayamandi are Xhosa speaking while Sotho is probably the second most common culture found in Kayamandi. Travellers can find many opportunities to meet and interact with the local people and learn about their culture, traditions and heritage.
Arts & Crafts:
Travellers can enjoy the works of a variety of crafters who specialise in beadwork, pottery, painting, sewing and traditional dancing. An annual Arts & Craft Festival is held to celebrate and showcase the art in Kayamandi.
Food:
Traditional African food is available throughout the township and visitors can organise in advance to experience and taste the local cuisines. Other informal food outlets sell street food such as skop (sheeps head), majwinya (fat cakes), fish & chips, shisa nyama (braai/barbeque), and mala mogodu (offal). There are families that offer visitors a cooking experience. Visitors can learn and experience how the food is prepared.
Wine:
Kayamandi has wine farms at the back of the township where some of the residents are employed at the wine farms. Wine tours can be arranged with tour guides from the area.
