Greater Soweto (South Western region)

The largest 'township' in South Africa, Soweto was created in the 1950s by the previous Apartheid regime to house Black South Africans.  Its name is an acronym for SOuth WEst TOwnships.  It was far enough away from the 'White' suburbs after curfew at night, but close enough by day for the 'servants' to get to work in these areas as gardeners, maids, labourers and unskilled workers.

It has a turbulent, and often violent history.  But it takes pride of place in the country's struggle against apartheid and many of its citizens became heros - both lauded and unsung - and played a major role in shaping recent history and ultimately, created the first democracy in this young land.

Again, it is a city of contrasts.  'Millionaire's Mile' with its mansions.  Shanty towns with no basic facilities.  Massive influx of people from rural areas and other countries.  In recent, post-aparthied years?  Prosperity.  Shopping malls.  Theatres. Hotels. 

And through it all, the irrepressible and indominitable spirit of Sowetans reigns supreme : Sociable.  Vibrant. Dynamic.  Vital. 

Soweto is home to spazas (home-style shops), shebeens (informal taverns) and some of the best Jazz the country has to offer!

Left: The elegant new Maponya Mall in Soweto


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Top 10 Attractions:

• Soccer City Stadium - home to FIFA (TM) 2010 Soccer World Cup
• Hector Pieterson Memorial - commemorating one of the first fatalities of the Soweto Uprising, 16 June 1976
• Morris Isaacson Secondary School - deeply involved in the uprising
• Regina Mundi Church - sanctuary & solace during the struggle
• Nelson Mandela Museum - former home of Madiba
• Vilakazi Street - only street in the world where 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners have lived: Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Nelson Mandela
• Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital - largest training hospital in southern hemisphere
• Orlando Towers - bungee & bridge jumping
• Maponya Mall, Old Potchefstroom Road
• Wandie's Place, Dube, the original tourist restaurant of pioneer Wandie Ndala.
  

Interior of the Regina Mundu Church, famed sanctuary during the Soweto uprisings and a port of call on most Soweto Day Tours