Soweto or the South Western Township is one of the most important settlements in
Johannesburg and has the most dynamic street life you will ever get to witness. It has a deep connection with gold mines and was one of the prominent names in the struggle against Apartheid. There are significant historical
sights like Kliptown’s Walter Sisulu Square where the Freedom Charter of South
Africa was ratified in 1955. Then there is Vilakazi Street which housed the former residences of
Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The site of Soweto Uprising of 1976, i.e., the Hector Pieterson Memorial and
Museum is an iconic address as it embodies the change that student protests can bring about. The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which also happens to be the largest hospital in the world, is also a part of Soweto and so is the FNB Stadium (Soccer City). If
adventure speaks to your soul, you can go bungee jumping from the top of the colourful and distinctive
Orlando Towers.
Jazz is the soul of Soweto and street performances and community centre gigs are a daily occurrence. Certain
restaurants and
bars attract the who’s who of the city while others welcome the squalor. No trip to Jo’burg is complete without a tour of Soweto and it is wise to hire a guide for the same.
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