The city may not be the most beautiful place you visit in South Africa, but Soweto certainly ranks among one of the most interesting and important sights in the country. Located just outside of Johannesburg, Soweto has over 3.5 million people call it home. While against Apartheid, much of the struggle played out in the slums of Soweto, and during the 1970′s and 80′s the township was in a virtual state of war. Nowadays, Soweto is a mixture of poor shanty dwellings and rich suburbs where crime is rife. But it is also home to theatre South Africa and some of the most vibrant music has to offer.
The city’s certainly worth taking a tour when you visit Soweto. Not just because it may be the safest way to see the township, but because the history of Soweto is what makes it so interesting. In Soweto, it’s easy to get lost because it covers a huge swath of land, over 90 square miles.
Tours in Soweto
1. Diepkloof
Enter Soweto via the up-market area called Diepkloof Ext where some of the houses can cost in the millions. In complete contrast you can visit a large hostel in the area, in days gone by the notorious hostel system was used as single gender accommodation for migrant labourers, it is now used as informal lodgings for family units.
2. Baragwanath
In the Baragwanath area and you can stop at the huge taxi rank for a walk about. Soak up the sites, sounds and “smells” of Africa at close quarters, informal open-air butcher shop, herbalists, barbers and market etc. Enjoy a ?Smilies? breakfast (the meat of a cow or sheep?s head) and sip on an traditional beer “Omqombothi” at on of our local shebeens. There is Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere.
3. Twin Towers
Drive through the Kliptown Squatter camp, on the ?Old Potchefstroom? road, where the twin towers will be found. These towers used to supply electricity to the north of Johannesburg. The tour takes us past the beautiful mall, which was recently opened by Soweto?s first millionaire ?Richard Maponya?.
4. Kliptown Squatter Camp and Museum
Clients get a chance to walk around the Kliptown Squatter Camp, as Thulani gives a tour about the area. The squatter camp was developed in 1903, but still today, the residents are living in a poverty stricken environment. Spend some time exploring the Kliptown Museum where clients will learn about the history in the area.
5. Hector Peterson museum
After lunch you can continues your trip to the neighbouring suburb of Orlando West & the Hector Peterson Memorial. Here clients can spend some time wandering through the museum, learning about the student uprising of 1976. Visit the fascinating museum which is a state of the art multi media centre depicting scenes leading up to the student uprising of 1976 and the eventual transition to democracy in South Africa.
6. Vilakazi Street
The tour bus will drive through Vilakazi Street, which is the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived: Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu. Unfortunate we won?t be able to enter as the Mandela Family Museum has been closed for renovations.
7. Regina Mundi & Thokoza Park
The last stop will be Regina Mundi Church. This is one of the biggest Catholic churches in South Africa. The Reginal Mundi Church is the focal point of much of the struggle in the 70′s and 80′s and home to the famous Black Madonna and Child painting. This church is also known as ?The Parliament of Soweto?
Visit more suburbs and housing types and styles before reluctantly leaving Soweto with a feeling of hope for the future. All tourists said that they felt safe and how friendly the Sowetans are.
Other articles you might like;
- Italy is Famous with the Food
- England is a Dream Country
- The Romance of Paris
- The Beauty of Holland
- Singapore The Fine City
Related posts:
Save Bucks
Europe Hotel
Travel
Accommodation for
Cheap Accommodation