Former powerplant, cooling tower, now is place for BASE jumping

Orlando Towers in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Adobe Stock

Five reasons why you should visit Soweto

Soweto is a vibrant tourist hub that offers unique sightseeing.

Former powerplant, cooling tower, now is place for BASE jumping

Orlando Towers in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Adobe Stock

Soweto has turned into one of South Africa’s top tourist places, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re a tourist or a Joburger, if you haven’t been to Soweto yet, it definitely needs to go on your to-do list.

It is South Africa’s most famous township, short for South Western Township, and is an undeniable part of South Africa’s history.

Why, do you ask, should you visit Soweto? Here are a few reasons.

Hector Pieterson Museum

 

The Hector Pieterson Museum is in Orlando West, two blocks away from where Pieterson died after he was shot on 16 June 1976 during an uprising. Many others died that day, and Pieterson was not the first one to pass away, but the iconic photo of him being carried from the scene has taken on a life of its own.

The Hector Pieterson Museum was named after the 12-year-old, in his memory and all the other students who lost their lives that day.

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

 

hospitals
The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, Wikipedia

Occupying approximately 173 acres and housing more than 3,000 beds. It was initially reported that the hospital is the third largest in the world. This snippet of information was even printed on the Did You Know Chappies wrappers.

However, Africa Check debunked that claim. It was the third biggest hospital back in 1997. That said, the hospital is still the biggest in terms of the number of beds. At 3,294 beds, it holds the Guinness World Record.

Vilakazi Street: Nelson Mandela National Museum

 

Vilakazi Street is in Orlando West, and on it stands house number 8115, the house where former president Nelson Mandela lived with his first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase. Later on, he also shared the home with his second wife, Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

The house contains a priceless collection of artworks and photographs of the Mandela family. There are still bullet holes in the walls, as a reminder of the history it contains.

Read also: The Top 10 Nelson Mandela Quotes

Walter Sisulu Square

 

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10 Pillars of the Freedom Charter: 1. The People Shall Govern! 2. All National Groups Shall Have Equal Rights! 3. The People Shall Share In The Country’s Wealth! 4. The Land Shall Be Shared Among Those Who Work It! 5. All Shall Be Equal Before The Law! 6. All Shall Enjoy Equal Human Rights! 7. There Shall Be Work And Security! 8. The Doors Of Learning And Culture Shall Be Opened! 9. There Shall Be Houses, Security And Comfort! 10. There Shall Be Peace And Friendship! 'THESE FREEDOMS WE WILL FIGHT FOR, SIDE BY SIDE, THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, UNTIL WE HAVE WON OUR LIBERTY.' #10pillars #freedomcharter #kliptown #history #soweto #congressofthepeople #freedom #explore #explorejozi #architecture #travel #travelgram #excursion #teacher #nikon #nikond5000 #apartheid #26june #1955 #vision #southafrica #acolorstory #new #learning #photography

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Also located on Vilakazi street, the square is the heart of Kliptown and attracts both national and international visitors every year. It is a mixture of modern urbanisation blended with the diverse cultures of the area that makes it unique. Look out for the ten pillars of the Freedom Charter and the nine provincial crosses.

Read also: Soweto-born student awarded with top Swedish award

Orlando Towers

 

If you are scared of heights, maybe sit this one out. The view from the top of the towers is something to experience. The water towers were initially built for the Orlando Power Station but have since been decommissioned. They can be seen from kilometres away.

When visiting the towers, you can bungee jump from 100 meters or rappel down the tower’s exterior. Chaf Pozi is nearby, an on-site restaurant where you can buy shisa nyama.