Soweto (South West Townships) is a large group of townships in the South of Johannesburg. Popular townships such as Diepkloof and Orlando are part of this vibrant community that has been around since the 1930s. Soweto was once home to two Nobel peace prize winners who both lived on the famous Vilakazi Street. To learn about some of South Africa’s history visiting Soweto is definitely a must.
Recently I had the opportunity to tour Soweto with MoAfrika Tours. I had to make my to the Hilton Hotel were I met Tsholo the tour guide and joined the rest of the group that were going to be on the Tour at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank.
We stopped briefly at the FNB Stadium commonly known as “Soccer City”or “The Calabash” and is a famous venue for Football especially the World Cup in 2010. Soon after that we spent some time at a Day Care Centre in the Mostoaledi Informal Resettlement.
WALK DOWN VILAKAZI STREET
Brimming with activity from Street dancers, to restaurants which serve local food, Vilakazi Street was probably the best part of the tour. It is the street where Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu once lived. The Tutu House remain private residence while the Mandela House has been converted into a museum.
Hector Pieterson Museum, which is dedicated to the documenting the 1976 student uprisings in Soweto on June 16.
Orlando Towers
The Colorful Orlando Towers is famous for Bunjee Jumping and other dare devil activities. Thankfully we did not not have to jump off the towers. Instead we had Shisa Nyama lunch at Chaf Pozi which is located at the base of the towers.
Apartheid Museum
Our last stop of the day was at the Apartheid Museum. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum, has several exhibits including the Nelson Mandela Exhibition. The Exhibitions demonstrate the rise and fall of apartheid. Guided tours are available but, you can easily navigate the museum alone.
I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone. This tour was made possible by MoAfrika Tours who have been providing tailor made tours to Soweto for many years.
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