Soweto is a metropolis of more than 3.5 million people on the outskirts of Johannesburg, is a multi-cultural composite of South Africa today. Peek into the past - hostels, Freedom Square, the struggle for liberty. You will be able to walk the only road in the world, which carries the honour of two recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The tour includes a full view of Soweto from the vicinity of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, view of the Orlando cooling towers; Nelson Mandela's family home and a typical Shebeen.
Enter Soweto and pass through Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere.
On our way to the main attractions you will see the Orlando Towers, the University of Soweto and Maponya Mall. One of the first stops will be Regina Mundi Church. This is one of the biggest Catholic churches in South Africa and site of many underground meetings of the then banned political parties. The Regina 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”
After this we arrive at The Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando west which is a short way from where police opened fire on students on 16 June 1976.
On the morning of Wednesday, 16 June, scholars in Soweto assembled in school grounds before beginning their march to Orlando Stadium where a protest against Afrikaans was to be held. On their way, on Vilakazi Street, schoolboy Hector Pieterson joined a group of several thousand scholars. After a brief standoff, police opened fire on them, killing him and unleashing the Soweto Uprising. It was the single most important moment in South African history as it effectively killed the dream of grand apartheid.
At the museum you will see enlarged photographs of the unfolding events with extensive commentary together with audio-visual presentations.Outside the Museum there is a small flea market were the local craftsman’s sale their products. There is also a school were tourist are welcome.
After this we move to Vilakazi Street the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived: Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu. The first thing you see when you turn on to the street is the house in which Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu still lives. The first thing you see when you turn on to the street is the house in which Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu still lives. Painted light grey and enclosed by high walls; there's no sign that a legend lives inside. Locals say that when he’s in back in town Tutu loves to walk around and freely mix with the community.
The pictures above are from Mandela House which re-opened on 19 March 2009 after renovations.
A block up from the Mandela family museum, on the corner of Moema and Vilakazi Street, is the intersection where Hector Peterson was killed by police. Peterson was the first victim of the June 16 1976 students’ uprising, a key event in the struggle against apartheid.
Although there are several restaurant and sheebens where you can have a great meal in Soweto; Wandi’s place in Makhalemele Street is a great spot and their cooking is excellent.On our way back before leaving Soweto we can pass by the Orlando Stadium or Soccer City Stadium and the Orlando Towers for a closer look.
Please Note that to include the Orlando Towers power swing you would need to book a full days tour.
