In South Africa the word township(s) is a loaded term, it does not simply refer to a suburb within a city or town. It actually refers back to the more descriptive term - black townships, a creation of not only Apartheid South Africa but also 300 years of colonialism before that. Under the racially based segregation enforced under both systems, black people (not regarded as citizens at the time) had to stay outside of the so-called white cities and towns, thus creating the townships. Under Apartheid "black" meant more or less everyone who was not white (or european). In most cases the inhabitants of the townships were not allowed to own property and had to either rent houses from the government or semi-own properties by means of dubious 99-year lease agreements. Often residents was barred by law from extending these houses to accommodate growing families.

With the emergence of a black middle- and upper-class in the new South Africa many black South Africans are moving into previously whites-only areas. However, the vast majority of black citizens still live in the townships. Although the term has a wholly negative history it is surviving 100% in the new South Africa but has taken on additional meaning. These days if you refer to a township it still indicates a previously black area, but it also has much more positive associations. Tourists taken into the townships are indeed introduced to the Apartheid history of a particular township and the very real hardships of past and present inhabitants. However, you will mostly also be given an insight into the vibrant culture that brews in these cultural melting pots. Many musical styles and sub-cultures have developed here over the generations. It is, and has been, home to world famous people and artists. It is also where blacks of all ages and various backgrounds fought the battle against apartheid, a resistance history proudly referred to as the struggle. Also see Soweto and South African history.