Overview
#Soweto Soweto, the name of the most famous of South Africa's "black townships", is an acronym for SOuth WEstern TOwnships. As the name indicates it used to be located a little way to the south-west of Johannesburg.Today it is seen as part of greater Johannesburg as both cities have expanded to meet and envelop each other.
Soweto is a place of past and present suffering as well as of remarkable pride and achievement. Residents vary from the extremely poor, living in shanty areas, to the very wealthy. Most residents are working-class families who struggle to make ends meet.
Soweto is an incredible melting pot of cultures, with all of the black ethnic groups in South Africa represented,as well as a mix of people from other African countries. This includes large numbers of immigrants from East and West Africa in search of hope and opportunity.
Soweto played a major role in the struggle against the previous apartheid regime. Historic places to visit, that reminds of this role of Soweto include: Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church, the houses of Pres. Mandela and Bishop Tutu as well as the Hector Peterson Museum.
All of these make Soweto one of the most interesting destinations in South Africa - if not Africa.
Tours that visit Soweto
popular
Scheduled tours
16Day Highlights of South Africa Southbound
On this tour you journey through the most popular areas of South Africa, following the most-travelled, tried and tested route for first time visitors to the country. The tour provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people.
from R20,910
City & day tours
Soweto Morning Tour
Soweto is an incredible melting pot of cultures. Your tour includes: Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church, the houses of Pres. Mandela and Bishop Tutu as well as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.
from R985
Things to see
Attraction
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
##Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum 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.
1 tour visit here
Attraction
Regina Mundi Church
##The Regina Mundi Church 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.
1 tour visit here
Attraction
Vilakazi Street
##Vilakazi Street 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.
1 tour visit here
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