Daveyton, Gauteng

Daveyton is a township in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Gauteng, with Etwatwa to its 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 affectionately known by the nickname: Vutha, or Tuka due to it being the first black township to have access to electricity.

The Daveyton MPCC is situated at Victor Ndlazilwane Community Centre, Daveyton Mall. The mall accommodates a number of retail shops with a taxi rank, Mabuya High School and Isidingo Technical College in the same precinct. Daveyton achieved municipal status in 1983. Daveyton has a population of 151,659 inhabitants at the latest census.

The Daveyton MPCC occupies former local government offices. The offices were vacated after the amalgamation of various municipalities following the municipal elections in 2000. The centre was identified due to its central location.

Numerous civic and youth organizations operated in the township since 1980, such as East Rand peoples Organisation, Daveyton Students Congress Peoples Party, Sinaba Party and 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, including Jabu "Shuffle" Pule, Pollen "Trompies" Ndlanya, Clement "Sbu" Mazibuko, Nhlanhla "Rhoo" Kubeka, Sibusiso Mhlongo, Thabiso "Skappie" Malatsi Junior "Agahowa" Khanye,Micheal "Rooi" Nkambule, Sibusiso "Sense of knowledge" Mahlangu Dingane "Styles" Masanabo, Martin "Magwegwe" Zwane, and Patrick "Ace" Mabena to mention but a few 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 like Ibhola Lethu organized during the festive period attracting crowds of spectators, as a lot of talent that South Africa has not yet seen is displayed.

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 trsnaport by the Provincial Gauteng Government. These taxis are one of the township's major tourist attractions. 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.

Famous Residents

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

* Owen Sejake actor and stage performer
* Late Lebo Mathosa one of SA's most talented performing singers
* Lira professional singer and artist
* Johnny Mekoa renowned trumpeter and founder of the Music Academy of Gauteng.
* Jabu Pule professional soccer player
* Jabu Stone founder and CEO of Jabu Stone Hair Care
* Sipho L Mngoma who in 2005/05/09 Introduced NADECO
* Victor Ndlazilwana - famous jazz singer and sax player, founder of the Jazz Ministers
* Jimmy Dludlu - famous jazz guiterist dubbed as South Africa's own George Benson.
*Thami Zungu - the first black conductor in South Africa.
*Queen sesoko - professional singer and artist
*Mongezi Matshekwane - actor and stage performer
*Themba Ndaba - actor and stage performer
*Criselda Kananda - radio presenter
*Euphonick - radio and club d.j

Other Interests

* 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.