General Soweto Area
Soweto is the biggest and most vibrant township in South Africa, and is increasingly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Soweto was pivotal to the struggle for freedom, and is now full of sites of significant historical importance. Today, Soweto is a cultural melting pot, and an absolute must-see for any visiting tourist and South African alike.
Hector Pieterson Memorial
On June 16, 2002 the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum was opened near the place he was shot in Orlando West, to honour Hector and those who died around the country in the 1976 uprising. This fascinating museum is a state of the art multi-media centre depicting scenes leading up to the student uprising of 1976 and the eventual transition to democracy in South Africa.
Mandela Museum
The Nelson Mandela National Museum is one of the largest tourist attractions in Soweto. It is the former house of Nelson Mandela, and is filled with his personal artefacts.
Desmond Tutu’s House
Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African cleric and activist who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. In 1984, Tutu became the second South African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Apartheid Museum (Optional Extra)
The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
The museum is an excellent example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience. The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers.
