Katlehong, a township located 35 kilometers east of Johannesburg and south of Germiston, lies between two other townships: Thokoza and Vosloorus. It is situated next to the N3 highway in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. These three townships collectively form Kathorus, which is one of the many areas with a rich struggle history that locals are eager to bring to light. In fact, Katlehong, along with Thokoza and Vosloorus, constitutes the second-largest black township after Soweto. The history of Katlehong is intertwined with resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s delve into some key aspects: Katlehong Art Centre (KAC): In contrast to other community art centers operating during the height of apartheid, the Katlehong Art Centre emerged as a project under the government’s East Rand Administration Board (ERAB) in the year 1977. The center was established by a group of individual artists, including Morningstar Motaung, Stanley Nkosi, Napo Mokoena, and Lucas Sithole. Inspired by the lack of working space in their township, these artists approached the ERAB with the hope of receiving support to create an art center. Modeled after the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, KAC offered various artistic activities such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, and wirework. Maribe Mamabolo, who had trained at the Rorke’s Drift Art Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, became the first coordinator of KAC. The center provided mentorship to younger artists and hosted art workshops for local schools. Despite endemic poverty and the challenges posed by political violence and states of emergency, KAC continued to thrive, serving as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement. Township Origins: Katlehong’s history traces back to the mid-20th century when it was established around 1945 as a mixed-race settlement called Dukatole. Initially, Dukatole served as a residential area for migrant workers who came to work in the mines. However, rapid population growth led to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. In the 1940s, Dukatole was declared a “black spot” for forced removal. Eventually, in the 1970s, Natalspruit was renamed Katlehong, which means “Place of Success.” Katlehong later merged with two other townships—Vosloorus and Thokoza—forming a vibrant and resilient community in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.