There is no single township in the country which enjoys more global acclaim and prestige than Soweto.
The township was once home to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners in Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. With many years of development and modernisation, Soweto is now not just a township but a vibrant melting pot of culture with a vibrant social and economic scene. It’s therefore not surprising that Soweto attracts thousands of local and international visitors itching to experience what this township is all about.
What are the top ten attractions to visit in Soweto?
Mandela House
Nelson Mandela is a global icon and revered across the world. His humble journey to global popularity and his political journey can’t be complete without mentioning that he stayed in Soweto between 1946 and 1962. His former house is now a tourist attraction. You can take time to visit Nelson Mandela National Museum as the house is known to appreciate the journey of Madiba as he is affectionately known.
Kliptown
South Africa’s gigantic step towards democracy can be partly attributed to what happened in Kliptown where the Freedom Charter was signed. 3000 people attended this event in 1955. Kliptown is the place to visit in order to trace the country’s walk to democracy at Kliptown Open Air Museum.
Hector Petersen Memorial and Museum
The 1976 Soweto uprising was spearheaded mainly by the youth who were protesting against the use of Afrikaans in schools. It was during this uprising that a young school boy was shot dead by the police. This site where he was shot is therefore a place of historical significance.
Walter Sisulu Square
Walter Sisulu is a freedom struggle icon in South Africa. This square named after him however is now a nicely paved area with a chisa nyama where people socialise. To appreciate the history of the township entertainment history, Walter Sisulu Square will help you trace the roots because its South Africa’s first township entertainment explosion centre.
Shebeens
Soweto’s social culture is best appreciated around various shebeens dotted around the township. Soweto’s Shebeens tours especially in the night are readily available. Through these tours, you get to taste what the locals drink and experience the friendliness of the local people.
Restaurants A trip to Soweto can’t be complete without tasing the local cuisine. Over the years, modern restaurants with a typical township feel have been established and professionally managed. You can step into Wandies Place, Chaf Pozi and Sakhumzi’s and taste what Sowetans eat.
Adventure Activities
For adventure seekers, Soweto is not short of adventure activities. You have a number of options to consider such as quad biking which usually takes place in the dusty streets of Soweto, bungee jumping is done at Orlando Towers between the two cooling towers, power swing across Soweto or even jump on a bike at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers for a bicycle tour of the township.
Soweto Theatre
Soweto Theatre has continued to be a dominant feature on the local townships social calendar. This township produces great acting talent and also plays host to others from different parts of the country. You can find time to visit this venue to witness the acting prowess of the local talent.
FNB Stadium
FNB Stadium is the mecca of football. This stadium was the iconic venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 world cup. You can still watch some local football at this stadium or just take a tour and appreciate this architectural masterpiece.
From the above places to visit, you have more than enough reasons to put Soweto on the list of places to visit. Â Â
