New chapter for journalist in Langa

JOURNALIST Yonela Sinqu, 31, lived in the northern and then southern suburbs for 17 years before deciding to rent in Langa.

“My choice was simple. When you rent in townships you often don’t have to go through the financial scrutiny of payslips, bank statements and so on.

“If the landlord knows the person who is bringing you, voila, you get the place. There is often no background check. Sometimes they just like the look of you, and don’t even ask for a reference.

“If you are a freelancer, like I am, who doesn’t have a steady monthly income, this system makes your life easier.

“Rents vary dramatically from road to road, or even from house to house in the same street, and landlords ask for what they need, which may not be market-related.

“I am enjoying Langa. It is small, quiet, literally 10 minutes from town, very close to Cavendish and Century City and other places I frequent.

“I am just on the other side of Pinelands – just divided by a road and a railway line. I feel comfortable. The rent is at least half that I was paying before, I did not have to pay a deposit, and electricity is included in my rent.

“I am saving a few thousand rand a month by moving to Langa. If I catch a taxi from here to town, it costs me R12. My petrol costs are drastically reduced because of the township’s proximity to everything.

“People have a wrong perception of the townships. Close to where I am is a popular theatre, a market and a stunning coffee shop. Here everyone knows the next person. There is an amazing sense of community, and many are fourth generation residents. I used to work in the community as a reporter and I got to know the people.

“You still find children playing in the streets. It’s how we grew up. People greet you in the street.”

Sinqu says it is not easy to find a place to rent as landlords do not use the regular means of advertising, such as online or in the smalls. It is mostly by word of mouth. Landlords rely on a knock on the door from someone who knows someone they know. I found my home within a day through a friend of a friend.” –

WISE MOVE Yonela Sinqu left the suburbs for a more affordable home in a friendly township, and saved money because she did not have to pay a rental deposit.