Daveyton

Daveyton
Daveyton  Daveyton shown within Gauteng
Coordinates: 26°08′19″S 28°25′30″E / 26.13861°S 28.42500°ECoordinates: 26°08′19″S 28°25′30″E / 26.13861°S 28.42500°E
Country	South Africa
Province	Gauteng
Municipality	Ekurhuleni
Established	1952
Area[1]
• Total	14.45 km^2 (5.58 sq mi)
Population (2011)[1]
• Total	127,967
• Density	8,900/km^2 (23,000/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[1]
• Black African	98.5%
• Coloured	0.3%
• Indian/Asian	0.3%
• White	0.1%
• Other	0.8%
First languages (2011)[1]
• Zulu	37.2%
• Northern Sotho	13.3%
• Xhosa	11.8%
• Sotho	10.5%
• Other	27.2%
Postal code (street)	1520
PO box	1507
Area code	011

Daveyton is a township in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng in South Africa. It borders Etwatwa to the north, Springs to the east, Benoni to the south, and Boksburg to the West. The nearest town is Benoni, which is 18 kilometres away. It was established in 1952 and achieved municipal status in 1983.

Daveyton is affectionately known as Vutha (sometimes spelt Vutta) or Tuka due to claims that it was the first black township to have access to electricity.

Numerous civic and youth organizations operated in the township since 1980, such as the East Rand Peoples Organisation, the Daveyton Students Congress Peoples Party, the Sinaba Party, and the Daveyton Youth Council. The East Rand Peoples Party and Daveyton Students Congress were affiliates of the United Democratic Front.

Culture & Lifestyle

Daveyton is home to multiple musicians, radio DJs and actors. Including the likes of Lerato "Lira" Molapo, Pauline M Buthelezi, Lebo Mathosa, Kabomo, Ntando Masina, Hlelo Masina, The Naked DJ, Euphonik, Karabo "Marab' Money" Mashile, Tshepo "E.J Skillz" Kau, Happy Mashiyane, Owen Sejake and Mina Nawe (Afro - pop group)

Soccer is the most popular sporting game in the township. Therefore, multiple tournaments are held during the festive season. Namely, the Ibhola Lethu tournament at Mabuya ground organised by the community and the Pollen Festive Games, organised by South African soccer legend, Pollen Ndlanya.

It is also the birthplace of some of the country's most skillful soccer players like Jabu Pule, Junior Khanye and Clement Mazibuko; most of whom were recruited into the Kaizer Chiefs Development Academy by Mahlubi "Tshana" Mehlomakhulu.

The township has garnered popularity for its vibrant nightlife & boasts a broad catalogue of pubs, taverns and lounges. The most notable of such establishments is Lapeng Village, an elegant 3-star guest house in Sigalo Street, Pule's Chesa Nyama, commonly known as Mabaso, situated on the corner of Mabaso and Mocke Street, The Dawn Pub & Grill on the corner of Turton & Lobedu Street, the Two Tone Lounge on corner Fokeng and Barwa Street as well as Brima Café in Sikundu Street.

Landscape & Vintage Taxis

Daveyton has a golf course that has been operating for more than 19 years, funded by the world-renowned golfer, Ernie Els. Other notable establishments in the area are the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) offices, the Ekurhuleni Customer Care Centre, the Daveyton and Mokoka libraries as well as the Ekurhuleni East College, Daveyton Campus (formerly known as Isidingo College).

With the approval of the Gauteng Provincial Government in the 90's, it utilized vintage Chevrolet vehicles as modes of public transportation. Hence, it was dubbed the "Chevrolet Township of South Africa". The usage of the latter as a means transport, has become obsolete, superseded by the modern, fuel efficient Toyota Avanza

In the media

• Bopha!, is a 1986 play by Percy Mtwa which was later adapted to film. The African-American filmmaker and actor Morgan Freeman directed the film, which also starred Danny Glover. The film was shot in Daveyton.
• Yizo Yizo, an uncompromising television drama series, was set in Daveyton. The show achieved record-breaking audience ratings and cult status amongst South Africa's youth. It was directed by Teboho Mahlatsi and Angus Gibson and produced by Desiree Markgraaff.
• The infamous Murder of Mido Macia took place in Daveyton.

References

1. "Main Place Daveyton". Census 2011.