Custodians of the Swenka

In South Africa, during apartheid, men from the rural areas journeyed to the cities in search of work. Hoping to impress the families they left behind, the men would often buy stylish new suits for their visits back home, and practice looking slick for their friends and neighbours. From this the Swenkas evolved and working-class South Africans would meet on a regular basis for competitions in which they would see who could put together the best-looking outfit, and who knew how to move best in it. The men follow certain set values, such as physical cleanliness, sobriety and above all self-respect.