Soweto was always at the centre stage of campaigns to In Kliptown, one can visit the Freedom Square, a overthrow apartheid. The 1976 Student Uprising, also place where the Freedom Charter was adopted as the known as the Soweto Uprising, began in Soweto and guiding document of the Congress Alliance – a broad O spread to the rest of the country. Other politically charged alliance of various political and cultural formations to map SOWET campaigns that started in Soweto include the squatter a way forward in the repressive climate of the 1950s. movement of the 1940s and the defiance campaigns of Soweto is the most the mid-to-late 1980s. The charter was the guiding document of the African populous black urban National Congress and envisaged an alternative non- The area has also produced many political, sporting racial dispensation in which “all shall be equal before the residential area in the and social luminaries, including Nelson Mandela and law.” country, with over one Archbishop Desmond Tutu – the two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, who once lived in the now famous Vilakazi The Freedom Charter was also used as a basis for the million people. Street in Orlando West. This is the only street in the world Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. that has two Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The word “Soweto” may sound like an African name, but Today, Soweto is known as a must-see place for local the word was originally an acronym for “South Western Just a few kilometres from Diepkloof is Orlando, home to and tourists. Thanks to its proximity to Johannesburg, Townships”. A cluster of townships sprawling across a Nelson Mandela’s first house, not surprisingly the economic hub of the country, it is also the most vast area 20 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. It a popular tourist attraction. Mandela stayed there with his metropolitan township in the country – setting trends in was, from the start, a product of segregationist planning. then wife, Winnie, before he was imprisoned and jailed politics, fashion, music, dance and language. for 27 years. The house is now a museum and contains It was back in 1904 that Klipspruit, the oldest of a cluster memorabilia from the short time they lived there together of townships that constitute present-day Soweto, was before Madiba went into hiding. established. Archbishop Tutu’s house, the residence of It was in 1963 that the acronym “Soweto” was adopted, ANC stalwarts Walter and Albertina Sisulu, and the following a four-year public competition on an appropriate Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum are in the same name for the sprawling township. neighbourhood. The recently renovated museum offers a detailed account of the events of 1976, including Soweto’s rich political history has visuals and eyewitness accounts. guaranteed it a place on It is a booming area and there are many things the world map. Hector Pieterson was to see and do in Soweto. Football fans shot dead by the police during always look forward to the Soweto Derby The Regina Mundi the Student Uprising. The rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Church became home to famous picture of his lifeless Chiefs, which is regarded as one of the numerous anti-apartheid body being carried by Mbuyisa biggest football games in the world. The derby organisations and hosted Makhubu, became the symbol is usually played in the FNB Stadium, funerals of many political of the 1976 Student Uprising. which can seat almost 95 000 people. activists. There is also the Endaweni Sports Bar, which is Those with adventure on their minds can visit the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: located in Meadowlands. Orlando Towers, which are two of the most The ex-wife of former President Nelson Mandela sadly distinctive landmarks in Soweto. It is the site of the passed away earlier this year. Throughout her life she Those with a taste for kasi flavour can visit Wandie’s world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers, was well known for her dedication to the people of South Place, a local restaurant in Dube, Soweto. It is a and other thrilling adventure sports such as abseiling and Africa, and her dedication to create a society free from popular stop on the itinerary of many visitors suspended catch air device falling. racial oppression. She was a beacon of hope during the to Gauteng. darkest days of apartheid, and is affectionally known as FAMOUS SOWETANS the “Mother of the Nation”. Albertina Sisulu: Known as Former President MaSisulu, she is remembered as a Nelson Mandela: fearless champion of democracy and South Africa’s first human rights. Throughout her life she democratically elected faced numerous obstacles, yet she President and “father of the continued to fight tirelessly for a better nation”. He was jailed for South Africa. MaSisulu was a woman of 27 years by the apartheid fortitude whose strength, resilience and government, and throughout The restaurant’s the will to carry on shone like a beacon his life he fought for a bar area is plastered with the business cards of in the darkest days of apartheid. In democratic and free South many other visitors, bring yours along to leave your mark. 2018 South Africa celebrated the Africa. After stepping down as centenary of her remarkable life. President in 1999 he continued If wine tasting is your thing, come to Eyethu, where you to fight for a better nation can experience wine tasting at a local cinema. Richard Maponya: A South and world through the Nelson African entrepreneur and property Mandela Foundation. South If you feel like taking a walk into history, simply stroll developer best known for building Africa and the global community down Vilakazi Street, which is named after a business empire despite the celebrated the centenary of his Dr Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, a distinguished writer and restrictions of apartheid and his remarkable life in 2018. educator who wrote the first poetry book in IsiZulu. determination to see Soweto develop economically. Archbishop Desmond For a more intimate view of the area, visitors can Tutu: undertake either bicycle or tuk tours. This is a A human rights activist who rose to prominence as a fun, interactive and unique way for participants to learn fearless anti-apartheid campaigner. Upon the attainment For more about Soweto’s rich culture and history. of democracy in 1994 he continued to serve the Anglican information: Church in South Africa and continues to be a champion People can visit the Soweto Theatre, which of democracy and human rights. www.brandsouthafrica.com/tourism-south-africa/travel/ opened in 2012 and is Soweto’s first formal, dedicated cities/soweto-heartbeat-of-the-nation performance space. www.gauteng.net/neighbourhoods/soweto/attractions.