Thokoza, also known as Tokoza, is a township in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. It is situated southeast of Alberton, adjacent to Katlehong. Thokoza holds historical significance as the first black township established in the region. Here’s a glimpse into its past: Origins and Establishment: In 1955, the Germiston and Alberton municipalities exchanged land, with Alberton receiving part of the area that would later become Thokoza. The new township was developed on the Palmietfontein section from 1958-59. Each plot was equipped with basic water and sewerage infrastructure, and residents initially lived in one-bedroom shacks, later transitioning to two or three-bedroom houses. The name Thokoza translates to “place of peace.” Population Movement and Apartheid Policies: By 1961, all black residents from various locations within the Alberton municipality were relocated to Thokoza. This relocation was part of implementing the Apartheid government’s Native (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act, which controlled black population movement. Financially, the process was supported by the Bantu Building Workers’ Act (1950) and the Bantu Services Levy Act (1952). Three hostels—Madala, Buyafuthi, and Umshayzafe—were constructed along Khumalo Road for migrant laborers. These hostels housed up to 13,000 people, divided along ethnic, social, and language lines. Political Unrest: During the early 1990s, Thokoza became a focal point of unrest between supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC). The Thokoza Memorial, opened in 1999, honors those who lost their lives during the violent political conflicts leading up to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 19941234. 🇿🇦 rea[1] • Total9.43 km2 (3.64 sq mi) Population (2011)[1] • Total105,827 • Density11,000/km2 (29,000/sq mi) Racial makeup (2011)[1] • Black African99.1% • Coloured0.4% • Indian/Asian0.1% • White0.1% • Other0.2% First languages (2011)[1] • Zulu40.2% • Sotho21.5% • Xhosa18.4% • Northern Sotho5.4% • Other14.5%