Soweto

Soweto, the name of the most famous of South Africa's "black townships", is an acronym for SOuth WEstern TOwnships. As the name indicates it used to be located a little way to the south-west of Johannesburg.Today it is seen as part of greater Johannesburg as both cities have expanded to meet and envelop each other.

Soweto is a place of past and present suffering as well as of remarkable pride and achievement. Residents vary from the extremely poor, living in shanty areas, to the very wealthy. Most residents are working-class families who struggle to make ends meet.

Soweto is an incredible melting pot of cultures, with all of the black ethnic groups in South Africa represented,as well as a mix of people from other African countries. This includes large numbers of immigrants from East and West Africa in search of hope and opportunity.

Soweto played a major role in the struggle against Apartheid - South Africa's historical system of racial segregation. Historic places to visit, that reminds of Soweto's role in 'The Struggle' include: Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church, the houses of Pres. Mandela and Bishop Tutu, as well as the Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial.

All of these make Soweto one of the most interesting destinations in South Africa - if not Africa.

Tours that include Soweto

Soweto attractions

Hector Pieterson Memorial

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto, South Africa, commemorates the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. The Black Consciousness Movement of Steve Biko stimulated huge resentment against the oppression of black people under apartheid. The police responded with sharp ammunition. Hector Pietersen was the first of a large number of learners to be killed on that day.

Vilakazi Street

Vilakazi Street in Soweto, South Africa, is the only street in the world that boasts two Nobel peace prize laureates to have lived in the same street. The house of former president Mandela has since been converted into a museum. Bishop Tutu still owns his house and occasionally uses it.

The Regina Mundi Church

The Regina Mundi Church in Soweto is one of the major symbols of the struggle against apartheid in the “old” South Africa. The church that can accommodate up to 7000 people was a venue for meetings aimed at encouraging the residents of Soweto to oppose the apartheid regime.