Johannesburg, aka “Joburg”, is a city of historical significance in South Africa. All I knew about Joburg was Mandela and the fossils of Mrs. Ples and Little Foot.
Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city and capital of Gauteng province, began as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. Its sprawling Soweto township was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former residence is now the Mandela House museum. Other Soweto museums that recount the struggle to end segregation include the somber Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, a former prison complex.
Joburg gets a bad rep online regarding safety. I advise to take all precautions but don’t let it scare you away from discovering Joburg!
Hotel ~ Sandton Sun & Towers
After much research, I stayed in the Sandton area in the Sandton Sun & Towers. It is a great location for travellers and there’s a mall close by that you can walk to.
Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum
The Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum is on the same street as Mandela’s House. It is in memory of the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising. Hector Pieterson was only 12 years old when he was shot and killed by police during a peaceful student march protesting the forced use of the Afrikaans language in schools. The students wanted to learn in their native languages. The anniversary of his death is the designated Youth Day in South Africa.
The museum has oral testimonies, photographs, and television footage that educate visitors on the realities of the struggle and the path to South African democracy. The Courtyard Garden of Remembrance has plaques with all the names of people who died in the massacre on June 16. There are over 500 names.
The museum houses the photograph of a dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo alongside his sister Antoinette Sithole. This picture was taken by Sam Nzima and showed the world what Apartheid was.
Soweto Settlement Walk
A walk through the Soweto settlement was enjoyable. The guide and her son (pictured below and taken with permission) led a walk through the settlement. It is a network of corrugated-iron residences with shared utilities. Children are running about and curious. Although the poverty is evident by the surroundings, folks were welcoming and the walk was informative. Always go with a local guide.
Out & About in Joburg!
Happy Travels!
More South Africa …
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Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 105 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!
Loved the street art.