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. All meetings to oppose this abuse of human rights was deemed illegal and the police had orders to disband meetings with force. Although initially reluctant to invade a church meeting, the police ultimately entered the church, firing sharp ammunition at the gathering.
In 1997 Pres. Mandela established 30 November as Regina Mundi day in recognition of the role the church played in the struggle against apartheid.
Soweto is an incredible melting pot of cultures. Your tour include Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church, the houses of Pres. Mandela and Bishop Tutu as well as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.
Highlights:
Soweto
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Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
,
Vilakazi Street
,
Regina Mundi Church
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Soweto, outside Johannesburg, is South Africa’s largest “black township". It is home to a mix of languages and cultures from across South Africa and Africa. Soweto played an important role in the struggle against Apartheid. Landmarks include Nelson Mandela’s Soweto house, the Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial, etc
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 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.