Soweto- The most vibrant local community in Johannesburg, South Africa

Soweto is a thriving indigenous community, located in the outskirts of Johannesburg in South Africa. Witnessing the marvelling audacity and indomitable spirit of Soweto Township is a truly edifying and memorable experience. Soweto is characterised by friendship, vibrancy and sharp contrasts. It’s a land that had withstood institutional oppression and systematic intimidation, to champion and foster the vigorous and unrelenting quest for civil liberties and fundamental freedoms. It’s a land where the reprehensible impact of apartheid was most intense; and also where sustained momentum to topple the regime most endured.

Highlights of any tour to Soweto include the Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital, the largest hospital in the Southern hemisphere; taxi ranks, multi-shops and traditional healers. Equally rewarding is a visit to a squatter camp or informal settlement, where one can acquire local art and craft items. Other important highlights include the following:

Freedom Square is where the People’s Bill or Right, known as the ‘Freedom Charter’, was finalised and agreed upon.

Nelson Mandela’s formal home is a four-room small house, which has now been transformed into a museum. Just a stone thrown from Nelson Mandela’s home is the formal home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was also a prominent warrior against the apartheid regime. Nelson Mandela’s formal home in this area is one of the most visited sites in the country.