Who We Are
Africa's First Living Museum
18 Gangster Museum is the first of its kind in Africa. This innovative living museum aims to help South African youth to better understand the treacherous path that too many in their communities take into gangsterism and, ultimately, prison. More importantly, 18 Gangster Museum seeks to offer a positive alternative.
Incorporating immersive text and imagery and a replica prison cell, 18 Gangster Museum's installations are curated by ex-offenders who share their real-life experiences of gangsterism and prison and how they turned their lives around.
Visit 18 Gangster Museum today, and be part of the movement to demystify the scourge of gangsterism in our communities.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
🎯 Demystify
Challenge the glamorisation of gangsterism and present the brutal reality through raw, honest storytelling.
🌱 Offer Alternatives
Show young people that there are other paths — through tourism, storytelling, education, and enterprise.
🤝 Rehabilitate
Give ex-offenders a platform to share their stories with dignity and build purposeful lives in the community.
Our People
The Team Behind 18GM
Founding Director
FOUNDER
Established 18 Gangster Museum with a vision to create Africa's first living anti-gangsterism museum in Khayelitsha.
Head Curator
EX-OFFENDER CURATOR
Shares first-hand experience of gangsterism and imprisonment to help visitors understand the real human cost.
Lead Tour Guide
SENIOR GUIDE
Born and raised in Khayelitsha — shares deep community knowledge and cultural insight on every tour.