“It is a privilege to lead a life that enables you to help others.”

Henk-Steven Renzenbrink
Founder & Chairman

The first time I walked into a township in South Africa, something in me stopped

A few kilometres from the city centre, I found myself in a completely different world. On one side of the city, people live in comfort. On the other, thousands live in small shacks made from scrap wood and corrugated metal. The contrast is hard to describe. I remember thinking: how can this exist in the same place?

What stayed with me more than the poverty was something else: life itself. Children playing in the streets. People greeting each other warmly. Guides telling the story of their community with pride. Despite everything, there was dignity — and I immediately wanted to help build a better future for these communities.

I always felt a longing to help

My life took many turns, but one longing stayed with me: to help the less privileged. I contributed in many ways, but since I am not a doctor, an engineer or a builder, I never found the right fit — until I visited Langa, at first as a tourist.

Hundreds of visitors from around the world walk through townships every week, led by local guides who proudly share the history and reality of their community. Most visitors are deeply touched by what they see — and then they fly home, often without knowing how they can help. That is exactly where the idea for Friends for Townships was born.

What if every visitor became a Friend for Townships?

Today, our local guides invite visitors to join our community and become a supportive Friend for Townships. Through our website, newsletter and social media, our friends stay connected with Langa – with the opportunity to support carefully selected projects.

Working with the people who live there

We work closely with local guides and residents, since they are the eyes and ears of Langa. Some projects are small, while others are more ambitious, but all are designed to have real impact, with a special focus on children.
I have been moved by how much even a small donation can mean to people who have so little.
€ 20 buys a pair of shoes, € 550 rebuilds a family’s home after a fire. Your donation can make the difference between despair and hope.

Friends for Townships is a bridge

A bridge that turns visitors into friends and connects your support with those who need it most. We ensure that 100% of your donation goes directly to our projects.
Let’s make a difference together!

Warm regards,
Henk-Steven Renzenbrink