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Soweto, Heartbeat of the Nation. Infused with the history of the struggle against apartheid, abuzz with the energy of the city of gold. Cost: 1 Pax R1240 2 Pax R620 P/P 3 Pax R580 P/P 4 Pax R450 P/P 5 Pax R 350 P/P 6 to 9 Pax R290 P/P Includes: Entrance fee, Guide fee & Transport. Excludes: Meals, Drinks & Tips.
Soweto may sound like an African name, but the word was originally an acronym for "South Western Townships". A township sprawling across a vast area 20 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. Solid homes known today still as the matchbox homes of Soweto, was buiilt by the previous government during the apartheid era. Soweto is the birth place and cradle of the struggle of the 1970’s, where the history of South Africa was written in the streets, shebeens and schools. Prominent leaders, Nelson Mandela & Archbishop Desmond Tutu stayed here and fought for change to the lives of millions of people. Today you still find the remains of the apartheid legacy and see the new emerging township all in one The tour enters Soweto from Diepkloof also known as "Little Hollywood" to the people of Soweto. Turning into Martinus Smuts drive, the border of the old Soweto is the start of the matchbox homes and the hostels of the early years. Turning onto the Old Potchefstroom Road (Old Potch Road), and very soon the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital comes into view on the left and the Soweto taxi rank on the right hand side.     We continue past Soweto Campus – Johannesburg University and onto FREEDOM SQUARE, Kliptown. Today this famous space shows signs of the momentous events that occurred here in the mid - 1950’s.
Another part of the strategy the resistance leadership devised was the creation of a ‘People’s Bill of Rights’. This is a very famous document and became known as the Freedom Charter. Kliptown Soweto was the place chosen for a large public meeting in 1955 during which the contents of the document would be finalized and agreed upon. We continue to the REGINA MUNDI CHURCH with its black Madonna, for a guided tour (If no Church Services). Regina Mundi, one of 18 Catholic churches in Soweto, is another one of the townships “must see” sites. Built in 1962, this is the largest Catholic Church in South Africa. (R20 Donation fee per person- own account) Drive past the famous “elephant houses" of Soweto. They have concrete walls and roofs which cannot be extended as most houses in Soweto have been. Each house accommodates 2-3 families, but it is the colorful roofs that are responsible for the name: they are round like an elephant's back. Then on to the HECTOR PETERSON memorial, a museum dedicated to a young boy who was one of the first fatalities in the June 1976 uprisings, for an informative visit and insight into the riots. We move into Orlando West, and drive past Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's mansion, with security cameras at the gate and each corner of the high walls and bullet-proof windows. Outside the walls is her garden: a large well-tended rock garden being weeded by three gardeners. Above Winnie’s home is the area called “Beverley Hills” of Soweto. Around the corner is Vilakazi Street, the street of two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Up the hill is the Mandela home from the 1960s, now a museum. Stand on the only road that carries the honour of two of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
We then visit a typical shebeen restaurant for lunch (Wandi's or Sakhumzi's - optional extra) or refreshments, for the real cultural experience. We zip pass Orlando East seeing Orlando Soccer Stadium, home of Orlando Pirates. On our way out, we pass three massive goldmine super dumps and then the "Jewel of Jozi" - Soccer city or FNB stadium with the CALABASH stadium (94 700 seats) that hosted the 2010 final. The end of the tour is at your hotel or as arranged. Nelson Mandela Museum & lunch optional at wandi's or Sakhumzis place. A real home cooked meal - African Style. Optional visits by arrangement to the Nelson Mandela House & the famous Towers for a view over Soweto OR Bungee Jump & Squater Camp visit. Departure time: Every day as arranged. ♣ |
