Five Reasons Why you Should Visit Soweto Township, South Africa

If you are visiting Johannesburg, then Soweto Township is a place to visit before leaving the city, to experience the vibrant street life and witness some historical sites offering a unique kasi sightseeing experience.

As South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto has a rich history with significant historical sites, different lifestyles, cultures and fashion which have attracted lots of tourists who want to immerse themselves in true South African culture.

Soweto was once the home of apartheid veterans, the likes of which include the country’s first black President, Nelson Mandela, and first black Archbishop, Desmond Tutu. 

Here are five adventurers’ places in Soweto that will leave you mesmerized…

 Orlando Towers

Are you a lover of heights? This is definitely the most exciting ways to see South Africa’s biggest township. From the top of the towers you will get the most awesome view of Soweto. With the first ever bungee of 100m drop from the ground, swing or free fall your way to the bottom between two cooling towers.

The towers are the largest and most colourful landmark in historical Soweto. They were initially built for Orlando Power Station.

Hector Pieterson Museum

Situated in Orlando West, two blocks away from where Hector Pieterson was shot and killed during the Soweto uprising in apartheid South Africa. Although he was not the first to be killed on 16 June 1976, the iconic image of him being carried became widely spread in the media.

The museum was therefore named after him in his honour and other students who were killed on that day.

I have visited the monument four times and it covers a dark time in Soweto history. The first time I visited the museum, hearing all the testimonials, I was emotional and sad to think why one country’s people would have so much hate for one another. We learnt through this that we shouldn’t make the same mistake twice, as the future can bring good and great options of a diversified culture.

The Nelson Mandela National Museum

Just a stone’s throw away from Hector Pieterson Museum, right on Vikalazi Street, in Orlando West, there is an iconic house that the former first black President Nelson Mandela and family called home. He lived with his first wife (Evelyn Ntoko Mase) and second wife (Winni Madikizela Mandela) in this house.

The Mandela House is one of the major tourist attractions filled with artworks and photographs of the family.

Mandela’s house is less emotional to visit as it brings hope for a better future to all. Even a pair of Mandela’s old boots lie on a shelf for display. The bullet holes are still in evidence on the walls.

Soweto Theatre

The Soweto Theatre offers more than just an experience of theatre, it’s a home of the rich tradition of community theatre.  There are performances held and public artworks on displays.

Without any doubt, Soweto is the entertainment capital of South Africa. The province’s growing music production industries make waves throughout Africa.

The Ubuntu Kraal Brewer

Brewed right in the iconic township, Soweto. This is where friends become family and neighbourhoods become nations. And you can enjoy the taste of Soweto Gold – Superior Golden Lager.

The Ubuntu Kraal Brewer is the first township craft beer in South Africa, so be sure to get the signature lager as well as fruit-based beers and apple ciders at an affordable price.

By Wendy Mothata

WENDY MOTHATA attended and completed her BA in Media Studies at the University of Limpopo, where she was awarded Most Promising Student in Media Studies. She is a recent graduate from the Honors Program in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg. She is also a Fellow in the Duke University Menell Media Exchange, Student Newsroom and resides in Johannesburg.