When you’re in Johannesburg and you find yourself asking “so where to?” for an exciting outing, just head to Soweto! Infused with the history of the apartheid struggle and buzzing with the friendly energy of Jozi, Soweto is place of contrasts and a melting pot of South African cultures. Shanties juxtapose luxury mansions; filthy streets offset fields of green; and a history of destitution gives rise to new trends in politics, fashion, music, dance, and language.
With heritage sites, restaurants, shebeens, and budget accommodations, Soweto is a vibrant place well worth visiting. While many visitors have initial reservations about exploring the sprawling township, one in five international tourists visit Soweto, and it is fast becoming a favourite among local Johannesburg residents for corporate events and outings. Many visitors are opting to see the sights on bicycle tours, which are becoming increasingly popular as a unique experience. Operators offer a variety of options, from 2-hour to full day tours.
“The townships are diverse, dynamic, and lively places. Drive down any street and kids are running around, neighbours are having animated conversations over the fence, men are sitting outside and enjoying cold ones amid lots of chitchat and laughter. It’s kasie fabulous, brother!” says Ndumiso Ngcobo, a former high school teacher and author of two best-selling satirical essays on contemporary South African issues, Some of My Best Friends are White and Is It Coz I’m Black?
With over 2 million residents, Soweto accounts for over a third of Johannesburg’s population and is the most populous black urban residential area in South Africa. An acronym for “South Western Townships”, Soweto was created in 1904 to house mainly black mine labourers who came to work in the city. In the 1950s, more black people were relocated here when they were forcibly removed from Sophiatown. From there, the township experienced a phenomenal influx of migrant workers who moved here from the country to look for employment. This unplanned growth led to overcrowding, poor housing, high unemployment, and poor infrastructure. It is only in recent years that government has spearheaded moves to plant trees, develop parks, and provide electricity and running water to the township. Today, Soweto offers an exciting experience that in no way lacks sophistication!
Top 10 Soweto Attractions:
1. The original homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Vilakazi Street – The only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Prize Winners.
2. The Hector Pieterson Memorial – Commemorating the role of South Africa’s students in the struggle against apartheid.
3. Soccer City Stadium – The iconic calabash-shaped stadium was built for the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010, and was the venue for the opening ceremony.
4. Freedom Square – Where the Freedom Charter was proclaimed
5. Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – The world’s largest hospital
6. Wandie’s Place – Boasting celebrity patrons such as Richard Branson, Evander Holyfield, Jesse Jackson, Quincy Jones, and the All Blacks, Wandie’s Place is a favourite with both international tourists and local South Africans. Wandie’s started as an illegal shebeen over 30 years ago, but today it is a thriving restaurant where you can enjoy traditional meals such as mutton curry with pap (mielie meal), umqushu (samp and beans), and chakalaka salad.
7. Maponya Mall – The biggest shopping centre in Soweto with over 180 shops.
8. Orlando Towers – Attempt the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers. Adrenaline junkies can also climb, swing, abseil, base jump, rap jump, and free fall off the towers.
9. The Soweto Golf Course – Have you ever played golf in a township?
10. The Soweto Theatre – As the cultural heartbeat of Jabulani Soweto, the newly built theatre is a multipurpose performing arts centre for theatre productions, music productions, dance productions, and choir singing. It is also set to host festivals, conferences, meetings, and community gatherings.
Whether you visit on a lunch outing, corporate event, day tour, or longer period of time to get the full experience, make sure you add a trip to Soweto on your list of things to do. And if you need a place to stay, LekkeSlaap has plenty of accommodation in Soweto and Johannesburg to satisfy your every need.
Have you had a Soweto experience? Tell us about it!
Image 4 by aprillynn77
Other images by Nagarjun
