Soweto, the name of the most famous of South Africa's former "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 achievements. 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 healthy mix of people from other African countries. This includes large numbers of (mostly illegal) 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 on this tour include: Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church, the houses of Pres. Mandela and Bishop Tutu as well as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. Soweto is one of the most interesting destinations in South Africa - if not Africa.