Tourism in SA's most popular township

Modern day Soweto, home to global icon and South Africa’s first democratic president, the late Nelson Mandela, attracts visitors due its rich political history.

The township known for its struggle for democracy is a buzz for tourist from all over the world.

With sites such as Kliptown where the Freedom Charter was drawn up to the home of Mandela and the infamous Hector Petersen Memorial site, Soweto is arguably the most famous black township in South Africa.

“The Nelson Mandela house I have to say was very moving. for us from the UK we wanted to see a bit of Soweto as well. We have only ever seen it in documentaries so it is nice to be here and be a part of it,” said Gill Benn a tourist.

“What you find in this famous vilakazi street are the two houses of the nobel prize winners which is Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu who stays just down the road,” said tour guide, Simphwe Khumalo.

Today, Mandela’s house contains memorabilia of the late leader. Soweto’s growth has been phenomenal and with a population of over 2 million.

With all said and done, Soweto is a melting pot of South African culture that keeps tourists coming back.