Venues

Langa’s First Art Gallery: Celebrating Local Talent and Cultivating Community

April 28, 2023

1 min read

Langa, a township in Cape Town, South Africa, has a thriving arts scene that has been given a new lease of life with the opening of 16 on Lerotholi, the first art gallery in the area. The founders, four young people from Langa, have created a space that aims to express thoughts and feelings, celebrate local heroes, and showcase the rich artistic talent that has always been synonymous with the township.

Langa’s Rich Artistic History

According to Thulani Fesi, one of the gallery’s founders, Langa has a long history of arts and culture, which made the need for a dedicated gallery imperative. “In every genre of arts, Langa has had someone. Whether it’s theatre, television, radio, music, journalism, there’s been someone to shine,” he says. The founders own the gallery and reinvest part of the money for each artwork sold into the project, with the rest going to the artist.

Abantu Bethu: Current Exhibition

The current exhibition at 16 on Lerotholi, entitled Abantu Bethu (our people), features artists from different parts of South Africa and other African countries, exploring daily life at different points in time through a variety of lenses. Although the gallery currently focuses on visual art, the owners plan to move into music, with live performances at the gallery.

A Space for Community Engagement

The founders envision a space for people of different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures to come together and celebrate their shared humanity. They plan to host live performances in the open space behind the gallery and offer an outdoor eatery serving healthy foods, such as freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, breakfast bowls, and salads. The food for the eatery would come from the vegetable garden, which is one of several launched across Langa through The Masakhe Foundation.

Cultivating Community

For the founders of 16 on Lerotholi, the gallery is not just about displaying art but cultivating community. “The richness of Langa is not in the infrastructure, it’s in the people,” says Fesi. They want the gallery to be a place where people from different backgrounds can come together, share their stories, and celebrate the local talent and culture.

More Than an Art Gallery

In conclusion, 16 on Lerotholi is an exciting addition to the Langa arts scene, created by a group of young people who are passionate about their community and the arts. The gallery is a celebration of the people who have made a difference in Langa in the past 100 years, and it’s a place that embodies the spirit of the township. With its focus on local talent, sustainability, and community engagement, 16 on Lerotholi is more than just an art gallery; it’s a space for people to come together, connect, and celebrate their shared humanity.

South Africa’s R100 Billion Transformation Fund: A New Chapter in Economic Justice

South Africa’s R100 billion Transformation Fund is a bold government plan to help blackowned businesses and small entrepreneurs grow by investing R20 billion each year for five years. It aims to fight inequality, create jobs, and build a fairer economy where everyone can take part. The fund invites people from all over the country to share their ideas, showing a strong commitment to working together. By mixing government support with private business knowhow, it hopes to open new doors for communities that were left behind for too long. This initiative is a fresh step toward healing the past and building a brighter future for all South Africans.

wynberg courthouse shooting cape town gang violence

A Modern Tragedy in Wynberg: Violence, Justice, and the Shadow of the Gangs

On April 8, 2025, a shocking shooting tore through Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town, killing Dingalomoya Cintso in a violent gang attack. The murder exposed serious security failings and deep gang rivalries that threaten the city’s safety. Authorities quickly arrested several suspects, including a woman believed to have planned the attack as revenge in a deadly gang feud. This tragic event shook the community and revealed how fragile justice can be when crime strikes where it should never reach. The court now stands as a powerful symbol of both hope and the ongoing battle against violence.

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.

the ultimate mother city guide