18 Gangster Museum

About 18 Gangster Museum

The multifaceted appeal of South Africa is part of its incredible allure. But, the Rainbow Nation has seen its fair share of cultural and economic challenges and has, as a result, had some issues with gangsterism and the associated issues that these gangs cause, particularly in the informal settlements around city centres.

18 Gangster Museum is a fantastic initiative in the massive Cape Town township of Khayelitsha, aimed at confronting the gang plague and exposing it for what it really offers to youngsters. It has the sole purpose of turning children and teenagers in these types of communities away from the option of joining a gang by exposing what real gang life is about and the gravity of the repercussions.

The museum includes a prison cell, where an ex-offender and gang member is voluntarily stationed with the aim of interacting with the visitors and telling them what life on the streets and in jail is like in an authentic, first-hand way. In so doing, he encourages the youth who venture into the museum to see their potential and to make better choices so that they can avoid the same fate as other gang members. The gang member tells the tale of his life, the bad decisions that he made, and the regrets that he feels. He expresses how things could have worked out differently, and gives his young visitors an insight into the many options that are spread before them, opening their eyes and minds to alternatives, not condemning them to lives of being part of a gang.

Visitors are also given insights into the current crime and gang-related statistics in South Africa, as well as an opportunity to see how some gang members have undergone a thorough rehabilitation process so that they can be positive contributors to their communities.

18 Gangster Museum has an array of merchandise on sale; including portraits and other designs by ex-prisoners and inmates that discovered their creative side whilst incarcerated.

This is the first gangster museum on the African continent and is, therefore, a very important part of the local tourism and community offering. This Cape Town attraction is open from Monday to Sunday.