Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, Memorial museum in Somerset West, South Africa
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum is a museum in Somerset West that documents the history of migrant workers in the region. The exhibitions display original artifacts from the hostel system and tell the story of these workers' living conditions.
The museum was established to commemorate the hostel accommodations that housed male workers for the fruit and canning industries starting in the late 1950s. The facility preserves the history of this period and makes it accessible to visitors.
The museum displays personal belongings and photographs from residents that document everyday experiences in the community. These items offer a direct glimpse into how migrant workers and their families lived and spent their time.
The best time to visit is during daylight hours on weekdays when staff are present and tours are offered. It is recommended to check ahead since opening hours can vary depending on season and events.
A restored original hostel building demonstrates how four to six men had to share confined spaces. This structure allows visitors to directly understand what the actual living conditions were really like.
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