Not since Roman Holiday’s 51 Via Marguta has an address with 51 become this popular. As South Africa won the World Test Championship, led by talismanic Aiden Markram and captain Cool, Temba Bavuma, a Cape Town’s municipal ward No 51 of Langa township started making arrangements to welcome their home hero.
Bavuma grew up in Langa, but has fulfilled the dream of entire South Africa leading the Proteas to their first ICC title since 1998, this time beating the mighty Australia.
Happiness went seismic, and Langa Ward 51 Councillor Lwazi Phakade, grandly declared, “Now let me be clear: as your Councillor, I take my duties very seriously…but I also take celebrations VERY seriously!”
In a gushing official statement on government letterhead, Phakade (not to be misread as Marathi Phadke), stated, “Langa is buzzing, South Africa is beaming, and the world has just witnessed the excellence of one of our own – the unshakeable, ice-cool, and history making Captain Themba Bavuma! As the ward councillor of Langa, I am filled with pride and emotion as we celebrate the Proteas’ sensational victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR OF LANGA ON THE VICTORY OF CAPTAIN TEMBA BAVUMA AND THE PROTEAS AT THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL#BavumaHomeComing #WozaNawe #ProteaFire #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/R1QgbMrbz8
— Ta Phaks (@PhaksPhothinja) June 14, 2025
It was only the start as the Councillor waxed eloquent about what rearing a champion meant to the community. “But for us here in Ward 51, this win hits different – because the man at the centre of it all, the one lifting that trophy high, is a child of Langa Township. Temba Bavuma is more than a cricketing genius. He is the embodiment of discipline, courage, and consistency. From the streets of Rubusana to the grand stages of international sport, he has carried the hopes of his community with humility and distinction. His success is not just his own – it is ours as a people,” he said, happily staking ownership.
Later, citizens of Lower Langa responded with mutterings about how Temba didn’t only belong to Ward 51, but how they were celebrating too.
Phakade though paid an ode to the Langa boy. “He represents every child playing cricket in a narrow street with no shoes. He represents every parent who sacrifices so their children can chase dreams. He represents the spirit of Langa, bold, talented, and unstoppable.”
A massive celebration was promised. “So we will be rolling out the red carpet for Temba Bavuma when he returns home. The community of Langa will host an unforgettable homecoming celebration, because when one of our own conquers the world, we must honour him like a champion he is,” he continued, before adding, “To the Proteas, thankyou for making us proud.”
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The absolute swag of Langa Ward 51 came with the pen drop last line. “To Temba Bavuma: thank you for reminding us that Langa doesn’t just produce legends, we raise captains.”
His ward member Doyi Matshaya took the opportunity to remind Phakade, that as ward councillor he had failed in his responsibility to erect a fan-park for viewing the final day, questioning how he could sleep last night without making the effort.