SoWeTo

Soweto, which is an abbreviation for the South Western Townships, is an urban settlement found within Johannesburg city. Soweto is the official collective name that was given to more then 30 different townships that were propelled into existence by the need to work on the gold mines, and the increased forced evictions out of the city by the apartheid government. For over 13 years forced segregation and cruel treatment continued until in 1976 the people of Soweto decided to rise up against the law enforcing all education to be taught in Afrikaans rather than English. The Soweto Riots made worldwide news when police opened fire on a group of 10 000 students, killing 566. The Soweto Riots brought the severity of the situation to international attention resulting in economic and cultural sanctions being imposed on South Africa and the apartheid government.

Today Soweto is a massive cosmopolitan environment home to restaurants, shebeens, many heritage sites and approximately one million people. Found only 15km from Johannesburg's city centre, Soweto is a fascinating display of African contrasts with luxurious mansions, schools, hospitals and green fields found opposite tin shacks and garbage dumps.

A visit to Soweto offers a glimpse into the soul of Africa. There are many places of interest to visit including Hector Petersen Square and Nelson Mandela's House Museum, where Mandela and his ex-wife Winnie lived for over ten years. Further along the road one will find Desmond Tutu's house which has also been turned into a museum.

Soweto is brimming with history and being in such close proximity to the metropolitan and economic centre of Johannesburg; it is known as a melting pot that reflects people's thoughts on music, politics, dance and language. Well worth visiting and spending some time.