Soweto – South Africa 2021 Tour
The Rainbow Nation is named as such because of it’s rich and colourful mixture of cultures and in no place is that more evident than Soweto.
Approximately 1.3 million people live in Soweto, which makes it the world’s biggest township. There are misconceptions on this wonderful area on the outskirts of Johannesburg which date back to when the residents were forced to live there during the Apartheid regime. Being home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, it will forever be a place of historical significance.
Now, it exudes South African pride and vibrancy. Where, like any other town or city, there are still some poor areas, you are destined to find a wealth of memories in the people you meet in Soweto. Here, tourism has gone from strength to strength and this is because you are welcomed into the community with open arms and smiling faces.
If you’re looking to find the cultural heritage of South Africa, nothing quite does it like Soweto.
Things to do in Soweto
- Mandela House
- Apartheid Museum
- Vilakazi Street
- Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
- Orlando Towers
- Soweto Brewing Company
Vilakazi Street
At the heart of Soweto is Vilakazi Street; famous for being the home of two Nobel Peace Prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu (and the locals will not let you forget that this is the only street in the world that can boast such a fact!)
Not only does the historic significance draw in a lot of tourism from international visitors but the street itself has an atmosphere which is distinct to Soweto. All of your senses will be heightened admiring the artwork, exploring the markets, sampling the cuisine at the restaurants and meeting the people of Vilakazi Street.
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In focus: FNB Stadium
A ‘Sea of Red’ will descend upon Soweto as more than 90,000 rugby fans pack themselves into the FNB Stadium for the first Test of the three match series hosted by the Springboks in 2021. It will be the first time Soweto will host the four-nation team in a Test match and it could even break the record for the highest attendance at a single Test match involving the famous touring side.
Stadium Fact file
Names: Soccer City, The Calabash
Other Teams: Kaizer Chiefs FC, South Africa Football
Opened: 1989
Capacity: 94,736
Highest Attendance: 94,807 – Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (The Soweto Derby, 2015)
Highest Rugby Attendance: 94,713 – Springboks vs All Blacks (Tri Nations, 2010)
It has international sporting pedigree with FNB Stadium having hosted some significant events. None more significant than the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Soccer City, as it was referred to throughout the tournament, hosted the final between Netherlands and Spain, putting Soweto firmly on the map of the sporting world.
Rugby is no stranger to the FNB Stadium with South Africa having hosted Argentina and the All Blacks (twice) there. But, when the Springboks host the famous tourists there in 2021, it will be the first time the World Champions would have played there since 2013.