Things to Do in Soweto

Take a tour into this significant museum that tells you about the fateful day of Soweto on 16th June 1976. The museum takes you on a historical journey of the youth rebellion that took place against the introduction of Afrikaans as a language of instruction during 1976. According to the history on this very day many scholars and students assembled in the school grounds to begin their rally towards the Orlando Stadium. In this rally, a schoolboy named Hector Pieterson also joined the group. However, after a brief standoff police open fired at these people. During this event, the photography of dying Hector Pieterson, held in the arms of a fellow student with his terrified sister running behind them, was flashed in every single newspaper around the world.  This photograph became a significant symbol of the protest against Apartheid. At present, 16th June is remembered as the Youth Day, in all over South Africa.

The museum today preserves many remembrances of that fateful day like photographs and also has audio visual presentations. This two storey red brick building has the Hector Pieterson memorial on the grounds. The memorial has the names of all those who died in that revolt.

Also known as Mandela Family Museum, it used to be the residence of former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and his family. This little humble house has now been turned into a world-class attraction by the Soweto Heritage Trust for the visitors who are keen to learn about the historical facts and the legacy of this great personality.

At present, this house museum comprises of four interleading rooms that houses memorabilia, photographs and paintings of Mr. Mandela and his family and honorary doctorates donated to him by universities and institutions from all around the world.

Take a tour into this historical museum for a meaningful experience.

Visit the world famous street which used to be the only street to have the residents of two Nobel Prize winners – His Excellence Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Desmond Tutu. It is also the spot where Hector Pieterson was shot dead that lead to the riot on 16th June, 1976. Walk down the street and at the corner you will come across the famous Mandela Family Museum. Though this street is so famous in the world of history, its neighbor still lives a very simple life. Perhaps what makes this place so special is its simple lifestyle and surroundings.

The other highlight of the street is the artwork that is located at the intersection of the road. The artwork includes eight huge grey hands spell ‘Vilakazi’ in sign language.

Touring Soweto in a car sounds too cliché! Instead, hire a bicycle to explore the winding streets of the city. Take an exciting guided cycle tour around the township and get a glimpse of Soweto’s different faces. The journey will take you to the Meadowlands, historical landmarks and different communities of the city. You also get to taste authentic Soweto food like the local burger of Kota and traditional beer of Shebeen. The tour will take around 2 – 4 hours. However, you don’t need to bring your own bicycle. The tour operator themselves offers facilities like bicycle, helmet, snacks and lunch. And the best part is the tour is applicable for people of different age groups.

If you are physically fit and capable of cycling for at least 2 hours, this tour is perfect for you.

This landmark is a must-visit in Soweto. During the Apartheid era, the towers were used by a coal-burning plant to produce electricity for the northern suburban region of Johannesburg. On the other hand, Soweto’s people became the sufferers as they were left to inhale the poisonous smoke emit from these towers. These towers worked till 1998 and after that it was left neglected and unused. However in 2007, Skyriders transformed these unused towers into an entertainment area – a vertical adventure facility and a prominent landmark for tourists. Today, these towers hold a special place for adrenaline junkies who wish to experience activities like swinging, bungee jumping, rap jumping, climbing, abseiling and a zip line. The towers also serve as giant billboards where artistic murals depicting the lifestyle in Soweto have been done.

While exploring the city, your eyes cannot ignore the giant painting of ‘Madiba waving his hand’ on the towers.

If you haven’t come to Wandies Place, you have missed the true flavor of Soweto. A local restaurant in Dube, housed in a typical four roomed house used to be an illegal Shebeen in 1980’s. After receiving the license in 1990’s, this shabby eat out turned into the trendiest restaurant of Soweto where famous personalities like Virgin founder Richard Branson, Will Smith and Chris Rock has paid a visit.  

At present it serves some of the best finger licking traditional local cuisines like morogo (wild spinach), umngqusho (steamed corn and bean stew) and dumplings.

Don’t forget to try out their meat dishes served on the buffet.

This largest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa is located right at the center of the city in Rockville, in the neighborhood of Moroka. It was built in 1961 but it opened its doors in 1962. This church has played a prominent role in the history of South Africa by giving shelter to anti-Apartheid groups during the revolt in 1976. Many students and scholars took shelter in this church when they fled from Orlando Stadium to escape the open fire of the police. However, the police followed these activists and fired on the church wall damaging the marble altar and crucifix. You can still see the bullet holes in the ceiling and the damaged marble stand in the church. Due to its significant participation both during and after the anti-apartheid struggle, this church is often termed as the people’s church.

Till date, Regina Mundi is a highlight of the city where many religious events like weddings, baptisms and funerals take place. In the outside area, the garden has been turned into a beautiful park that includes memorial stones bestowed by Japanese Christians, an art gallery and a plaque that records the history of the church.

Part of Oppenheimer Gardens, the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village is a treasured gem and a must-visit for visitors. The village is for the visitors who wish to see the insight of the African cultures and belief combined with modern ideas. This museum-cum-outdoor exhibition houses some beautifully crafted sculptures and buildings that depict the art, culture, architecture and folklore of Africa. These excellent artworks were done between 1974 and 1986 by Credo Mutwa, a traditional healer. The legend says that he had the power to predict future.

In 2006, the village faced a renovation after it was abandoned by Mutwa in 1986. Although the village remains in its ruin states but still a worthy visit. 

Located right in the middle of the city, this beautiful park offers a fascinating and relaxed ambience to enjoy some ‘self’ time. Covering several hectares of land along with Credo Mutwa Cultural village and Oppenheimer tower, this beautiful park has many indigenous plants and trees that are used by traditional herbalists to make medicines. For instance, umphafi is used to fetch the soul of the departed people from the place where they lost their lives and is taken to their final resting place. The trees in the park make it look like a dense forest and hence it is probably one of the few remaining bird sanctuaries in Soweto. Walk through the forest, stroll on the rocky path to explore the rich fauna and flora and also to watch the colorful birds. On the way, you will come across many other medicinal plants like aloe, cabbage tree, canary creeper, coral tree and numerous thorn bushes. The Oppenheimer tower, the prominent landmark of Soweto overlooks the garden. Climb up the tower to get the panoramic view of the entire township.