Soweto

Soweto

Soweto - an ancronym for the original name South Western Townships - is comprised of a number of townships just 15 minutes south west of the city of Johannesburg. Soweto was the scene of the 1976 student uprisings, and became one of the most evocative words of the 20th century, as the quintessential symbol of the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

Remarkable and fascinating for the visitor, Soweto is one of the top 20 tourism destinations in the country and is also one of the stars in the Gauteng crown. It is certainly the cultural heart of the province and no first time visitor should leave Gauteng without a visit to Soweto.

It is estimated that over a thousand tourists a day visit Soweto from all over the world to experience unique culinary trends, enjoy the local brew and the township jazz. There are craft markets and vibrant community centres and art galleries. Spaza shops and shebeens are an intrinsic element of township life, and the Soweto Shebeen Route offers a unique experience to visitors to interact with Sowetans first hand whilst experiencing 'Ubuntu ' in a lively and secure environment. Check the Shebeen Route out on the website wwwSowetoshebeenRoute.co.za

There are a number of sites of historical and cultural interest to tourists, one of the most popular being the Hector Petersen Memorial, dedicated to the 13 year old whose death on June 16 1976 shocked the world into a new recognition of apartheid. Also popular are the residences of well-known activists, which include the Mandela house, and the homes of Walter Sisulu, Zeph Mothopeng, Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.

Freedom Square in Kliptown, Soweto, is where the Freedom Charter was presented to a mass gathering of the people. In Avalon Cemetery many activists are buried, including Helen Joseph and Joe Slovo. At Ma-Africa Art Galleries, housed at Ipelegeng Community Centre in Jabavu, all the works are original and produced by internationally recognized artists who have exhibited overseas. Names like Mthetho Alphen Ntimbane exhibit work that depicts township scenes from the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. Soweto's warm heart includes many restaurants and clubs that cater for all tastes and occasions, and the township buzzes 24 hours a day!

Copyright: South African Tourism