Mitchells Plain

Mitchells Plain
Aerial view of Mitchell's Plain
Mitchells Plain Show map of Western Cape Mitchells Plain Show map of South Africa Mitchells Plain Show map of Africa  Mitchells Plain shown within Western Cape
Location within Cape Town  Mitchells Plain
Coordinates: 34°3′2″S 18°37′5″E / 34.05056°S 18.61806°E / -34.05056; 18.61806Coordinates: 34°3′2″S 18°37′5″E / 34.05056°S 18.61806°E / -34.05056; 18.61806
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
Municipality	City of Cape Town
Established	1970
Area
• Total	43.76 km2 (16.90 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	310,485
• Density	7,100/km2 (18,000/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	7.3%
• Coloured	90.8%
• Indian/Asian	0.6%
• White	0.2%
• Other	1.1%
First languages (2011)
• English	47.4%
• Afrikaans	46.9%
• Xhosa	3.3%
• Other	2.4%
Postal code (street)	7785
PO box	7789

Mitchells Plain is a largely Coloured township about 32 km (20 mi) from the city of Cape Town. It is one of South Africa's largest townships. It is located on the Cape Flats on the False Bay coast between Muizenberg and Khayelitsha. Conceived of as a "model township" by the apartheid government, it was built during the 1970s to provide housing for Coloured victims of forced removal due to the implementation of the Group Areas Act. Though Mitchells Plain is no longer officially a "Coloured township," the overwhelming majority of its residents are still Coloured. The township was reportedly named after Mitchell Baker but this is unconfirmed, and is one of a number of possible explanations.

At an estimated population of 290,000 - 305,000 people, it comprises a number of sub-sections which reflect the diverse class backgrounds of the population. Once a major stronghold of the United Democratic Front, the broad-based ANC-sponsored anti-apartheid body, it is now known more for gangsterism and methamphatemine addiction among the youth. It also has one of Cape Town's biggest shopping centres, the Liberty Promenade.

Mitchells Plain was created by the Apartheid government in the early 1970s as a Coloured township for middle-income families. The township was laid out in terms of the neighbourhood unit concept with large open spaces, localised public facilities and wide arterial routes. Various forms of housing were provided including, freestanding, semi-detached and duplex housing. However, by the late 80's and 90's, major areas of Mitchells Plain deteriorated into urban ghettos. Gangsterism and drug abuse has increased and a number of informal settlements has sprung up in several areas.

According 2011 census data compiled by Statistics South Africa, Mitchells Plain comprises the following in terms of demographics: