Short for South-Western Townships, Soweto is a bustling neighborhood located in Guateng, South Africa. The area is known for many things, including its longstanding battle against apartheid. But even though many know Soweto for its dark history, the township is much, much more than that.
Things to See and Do
As the largest township in South Africa, Soweto offers many things for visitors to see and do. For example, you can experience part of South African history at the Apartheid Museum. The museum is home to an incredible collection of exhibits, featuring pictures, artifacts, and other historical items related to the South African apartheid. And if you plan accordingly, you can celebrate the end of apartheid at one of its many special events held throughout the year.
Or during the evening, you can catch a performance at the Soweto Theatre, or listen to some live music at a local bar or club.
Dining
If you like to eat, Soweto is a great place for foodies to explore. Take an afternoon walk through the lively Soweto markets, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food.
Sakhumzi Restaurant is a popular eatery that serves hot South African meals. There you can try the Moroka Lamb Stew or Bantu Vegetable Stir Fry for a taste of the local flavors. Or if you just can’t decide what to choose, try them all. Their famous buffet serves traditional foods such as tripe or steamed bread.
How To Spend 24 Hours in Black-owned Soweto
Soweto is a popular township in South Africa with a lot to explore. So much so, that discovering all that Soweto has to offer can feel like a challenge. Luckily, you can still make the most of your time in Soweto with a little planning. Even better, Soweto boasts a large number of Black-owned businesses to support while you’re there. Here are five must-see places to visit in Black-owned Soweto:
The Mandela House
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa the Mandela House is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists to visit. As the former home of the late Nelson Mandela, this famous tourist destination is where visitors can learn more about his life and his work toward social justice.
The museum also offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of South Africa, including historical photographs and artifacts from long ago.
Plus, you can take a piece of South African history home with you at the visitor’s center. There, you can find books, souvenirs, and other merchandise available to purchase.
Wandies Place
Wandies Place is a popular restaurant located not too far from downtown Johannesburg. There, you can find a number of authentic South African dishes, from dumplings to porridge.
The restaurant serves its meals in traditional South African fashion — buffet-style. This is great for visitors who want to sample a little bit of everything.
Try their beef stew, simmered in a potpourri of aromatic spices. Or try their crispy fried ox liver served on a bed of sweet onion. The restaurant offers a wide selection of meatless options, including hot and cold salads.
And end the meal on a sweet note with a taste of their creamy, assorted ice cream flavors or traditional sweet custard.
Hector Pieterson Museum
Twelve-year-old South African student Zolile Hector Pieterson was shot and killed during the fallout from the Soweto uprising in 1976. Today, the Hector Pieterson Museum honors his memory as well as the others who fought and died in the struggle against apartheid.
The museum is located in Orlando West, Soweto — just two short blocks away from where Hector Pieterson was murdered. It features a number of exhibits filled with pictures, films, newspapers, personal accounts, and more.
Tourists also visit the museum to see the famous picture of Hector Pietersen taken by South African photographer Sam Nzima. The picture may be graphic to some audiences so it may not be suitable if you’re traveling with children.
Vilakazi Street
Vilakazi Street in Soweto is a must-see for anyone planning a trip to South Africa. Located in Johannesburg, the street is known for being the home of two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Today, it serves as a hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
The street was named in honor of the local chief, Vilakazi ka Bhengu, who fought against the British during the Anglo-Zulu War. As a result, many of the buildings on Vilakazi Street have been declared national monuments and are now home to museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Vilakazi Street is also a great place to experience African culture. There are many street vendors selling traditional African crafts and food, so be sure to bring your appetite!
Kgokare Tours
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There is SO much to experience in Soweto that trying to do it all on your own can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Kgokare Tours can help take the load off of planning your visit.
From airport transfers to private chauffeurs, the Black-owned touring company is committed to making your trip to South Africa one you won’t soon forget.
Take a safari tour to get up close and personal with South Africa’s wildest animals. Or if you’re planning to travel with a group, the touring company offers tours for large parties as well.
From short trips around the city to adventures in the wild, Kgokare Tours is the best way to experience South Africa in a short time.
Related: Soweto Uprising: Why June Is Important To The Youth In South Africa
