Daveyton

Daveyton
Daveyton Location in Greater Johannesburg
Daveyton Location in South Africa
Coordinates: 26°08′19″S 28°25′30″E / 26.13861°S 28.425°E / -26.13861; 28.425Coordinates: 26°08′19″S 28°25′30″E / 26.13861°S 28.425°E / -26.13861; 28.425
Country	South Africa
Province	Gauteng
Metropolitan municipality	Ekurhuleni
Time zone	SAST (UTC+2)

Daveyton is a township in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality 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. Daveyton is one of the largest townships with many population in South Africa, together with Etwatwa,Herry Gwala and Cloverdene.It was established in 1952 when 151,656 people were moved from Benoni, the old location of Etwatwa. Daveyton is affectionately known by the nickname Vutha or Tuka due to it being the first black township to have access to electricity.

Daveyton achieved municipal status in 1983. Daveyton have now a population of 1.5 million inhabitants at the newest census.

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 and lifestyle

Davetyon has a reputation for breeding some of the country's most talented soccer players, most of whom were recruited into the Kaizer Chiefs Development Academy by a man known as Mahlubi "Tshana" Mehlomakhulu. Soccer is the most celebrated sports in the township with tournaments such as Ibhola Lethu and Pollen Festive Games (organised by Pollen Ndlanya) organized during the festive period. There is also a one of the most skilled player from Daveyton known as Aubrey Mooka(Briga), he lived in Ext-2. There is also a culture of "chisa nyama", meat which is sold at butchery and BBq'd on the premises while enjoying refreshments and music. The most notable of such establishments is Pule's Busy Corner or commonly known as Mabaso, the latter being because of the street the establishment is situated on (Corner Mabaso and Mocke Streets).

Cuisine

Daveyton is regarded widely as the place where 'Kota' [a quarter of bread with choice fillings]originated, and where the best 'Kota' cuisine are made.'Kota'is one of the township's popular fast foods. Some of the famous shops in this industry are Stan's fastfoods and Fontana fastfoods in Lobedu which Mzekezeke also sings about. people come from far places to buy kotas in Daveyton, because of this there is a lot of competition amongst the sellers.

Vintage taxis

Daveyton township has been dubbed as "The Chevrolet Township" of South Africa. There is no other place in this country that has a collection of all models of Chevrolet cars. These cars serve as local taxis. They are part of the officially approved public transport by the Provincial Gauteng Government. These taxis are one of the township's major tourist attractions. These taxis are, as of 2008 starting to fade away, being replaced by the newer, more fuel efficient Toyota Avanza's. Other attractions include houses which were designed with open verandas. It is these unique houses that influenced different housing designs built by the Apartheid state in other parts of the township.

Crime in Daveyton

Daveyton, like most townships in the East Rand, is infamously known for the practice of card skimming, commonly known as "Mbayi". This practice involves the perpetrator stealing your banking details and producing a duplicate card which he/she can use to withdraw your money from ATM's. The perpetrators, commonly known as "Mbayi Man", are usually very well dressed and drive expensive cars. Because of this practice, many residents of Daveyton are refraining from using, or are very vigilant when paying via debit or credit card.

Famous residents

Daveyton gave birth to some of the South Africa's celebrated personalities and sports players, notably:

• Lebo Mathosa, one of South Africa's most talented performing singers
• Lira, professional singer and artist
• Jabu Pule, professional soccer player
• Briga (Aubrey Mooka), One of the highly talented and creative software developers to come from Daveyton. He is passionate about software development and he studied at the University of Johannesburg where he obtained a National Diploma Information Technology and continued with his B Tech Information Technology Management and Project Management
• [Fezile "Tambai" Mabena] Typical kasi boy who acquired a university degree and works for a number one I.T company in the world and regarded as one of the best dressed guyz.
• [Pollen Ndlanya],former Kaizer Chiefs player
• [Sibusiso Clement Mazibuko], former Mamelodi Sundowns player
• [Quinton 'The Naked-DJ' Masina], popular Club DJ and Metro FM DJ
• [Sam & Lev], local achievers
• [Kgomotso Mokwena], [sunday times]soccer writer

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 I, II and III, is an uncompromising television drama series set in a township school that has achieved record-breaking audiences and cult status amongst South Africa's youth. It was directed by Teboho Mahlatsi and Angus Gibson.