Langrug is an informal settlement that falls under the municipality of Stellenbosch and is divided into three areas: Mandela Park, Nkanini, and Zwelitsha. Within these areas, the shacks are further divided into small groupings called blocks (Langrug Community, 2012).

According to enumerations and research from Slum Dwellers International (SDI), as of 2011 Langrug is home to approximately 4,000 people living in 1,858 shacks, with 90% of the population under the age of 40 years. Additionally, females are identified as head of the household in 41% of households (Informal Settlement Network, 2011). Based on this information, which provides insight into the demographics of Langrug, we predicted our programmes will involve a younger cohort. For education and skills from programmes to be practiced in households, it was also be a consideration that households are headed by men and women almost equally. An understanding of the community within which this project will take place is essential for asset-based community development.

In 2011, Mandela Park had 32 toilets, with 2 non-functioning, Nkanini had 59 toilets with 6 nonfunctioning and Zwelitsha had no toilets. Overall the ratio of toilets to people was approximately 1:50. This indicates a strong need for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) facilities. Within the settlement, an informational media booklet about Langrug identified several public areas. These include 11 spaza shops, 10 taverns, 3 churches, and 2 crèches (Langrug Community, 2012). These social areas are assets, which can be used for enriching a community with asset-based community development. Several forms of social infrastructure also exist in the settlement. There is a recently-formed Savings Group which will especially be an asset. Currently they are the ones running the facility and have been instrumental in researching what programmes to develop, implementing those programmes, and making the WaSH facility a social enterprise. Such forms of social infrastructure are resources needed for implementing possible services and making the services sustainable in the community.