Experience vibrant township life and immerse yourself in Soweto

AAnother important stop is the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, where the famous Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976 took place. This event saw school pupils take to the streets to protest against the use of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools. The iconic news photograph of a dying 13-year-old Pieterson, cradled in the arms of a fellow school pupil after being shot by the police, drew attention to South Africa’s oppressive racial policies. When you see it, it’ll hit you hard, but it does put everything into perspective.

Then there’s the famous Vilakazi Street, once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, namely former president Nelson Mandela and Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Here you can put your feet up for a bit, while you savour a delicious meal in one of the several taverns or restaurants.

OOther must-sees include the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, listed by the Guinness World Records in 1997 as the largest hospital in the world, as well as the vibrant Orlando Towers, where the more adventurous can get their adrenaline pumping with an urban bungee jump.

 The easiest way to experience Soweto is to go on a township tour where knowledgeable guides will educate you on the significance of so many places in our history. It could be anything from a whistle-stop two hours to a whole day or even an overnight stay. It’s up to you.