Soweto, Gauteng

The phenomenal growth of Soweto can be attributed to a cluster of townships on the south-western region of Johannesburg. The origin of Soweto can be traced back to the 1930s, when the first township of Orlando was established.

Even though the growth was extraordinary it was sporadic, much due to the government's failed attempts to stop the influx of black workers who thronged the city for sustenance. Soweto, Gauteng has a population of more than 2 million with the biggest black urban settlement township that echoes a great political history.

An urban area in the Johannesburg city, in Gauteng, South Africa, the name of "Soweto" is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships. The Soweto township comprise some 63 sq. km of area and is placed at a distance of 15 km away from the center of Johannesburg. Previously there was a temporary living arrangement for the mine workers. This happened before Soweto was acknowledged as a restricted place for Johannesburg's black population after the "Urban Areas Act" was passed in 1923.

If you wish to witness contrast at its best, then Soweto, Gauteng is the place. The spectrum is huge and comprises shanties, green fields, garbage piles to the biggest public hospital having the highest HIV infection rate. In spite of such demoralizing situation, you are likely to come across warm gesture that bails out the serious problem of unemployment.

Though housing programs has been initiated and implemented by the government, illegal sprawling of camps is a common sight in the city.

It is unfair to consider Soweto having only to do with shacks and shanties, many modern structures have also changed the skyline of Soweto in Gauteng. The transport comprises minibus taxis, buses and trains, mostly the taxis are preferred as they are fast and cheap.

In Soweto there are many places that you can explore while staying in the city. Visiting the African Institute of Art & Funda Community Center is a great option for those wishing to get knowledge about visual art. It is an alternative art education programme which was initiated in 1984. Get the taste of the exhibition held in EKhaya Soweto Neighborhood Museum, which is popular for its crafts display made of recycled materials.

Hector Petersen Square is a famous place that is frequented by the tourists and the locals. The square is named after one of the first students who was killed in rebellion of 1976. No visit to the city of Soweto can be complete without having a look at the house of Nelson Mandela, which was transformed into a museum by his wife Winnie Mandela. The Avalon Cemetery and the Regina Mundi Church are other attractions that you can visit. Do not miss out on Freedom Square, where the Freedom Charter was adopted for the purpose of guiding several political and cultural formations.

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