Destination: Soweto, South Africa

Welcome to Soweto.  Soweto may sound like an African name, but the word was originally an acronym for "South Western Townships".  Townships for Blacks under apartheid.  Soweto is the most heavily populated Black urban residential area in the country, with over two million citizens!  Yes ... over 2 million Blacks living, working, playing, being educated and growing together.  It is even home to one of the largest hospitals on the continent ( Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital) and the only African-owned private clinic! 

To visit this township, to feel and see the historical sites dedicated to a child who lost his life in the Soweto student uprising (Hector Pieterson) and the homes of historical figures such as Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.  To look out and see the colorful, homes, shacks and streets which were home to so many Blacks who were a part of the fight against apartheid ... and to see the new generations who are blessed enough to live and see the results of the fight of their ancestors ... it does not just touch you, it moves you.  It was their Civil Rights Movement and it would start in Soweto.  Their voices, their tears, their blood, their sacrifice - ultimately a country's freedom. 

 

When visiting Soweto there are at least three things you must do, which we were fortunate to accomplish today:

#1.  Visit the Apartheid Museum.  It is en route, located in Johannesburg, and is a must see!  It illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid and the temporary exhibit walks visitors throughout the life of Nelson Mandela.  The cost to enter is 55 ZAR.  

#2.  Visit the Mandela House.  Located at 8115 Orlando West, on the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane streets in Soweto.  The home was built in 1945 and was the home to Nelson Mandela and his first and second wives and his children.  The home is only 4 rooms and gives a small, personal insight to how Nelson Mandela lived before being sent to Robbin Island.  The cost for those not from the continent of Africa is 60 ZAR. 

"The wife of a freedom fighter is often like a widow..." Winnie Mandela

He was only "home" for 11 days until his new found publicity forced him to move.

#3.  Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial.  June 1976, on the corner of Moema and Vilakazi Streets in Soweto, a 12-year old lost his life in the fight for freedom.  He was picked up by his brother - he and his sister ran to a nearby clinic where the 12-year old was pronounced dead.  His name was Hector Pieterson and he became the symbol for the youth who fought and sacrificed during the Soweto uprisings.  

"To honor the youth who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom."

Ultimately, it was an emotionally exhausting day.  But everyone was glad to have experienced the journey.  If you ever make it to South Africa, make the time to visit the historical township of Soweto.