Johannesburg
Egoli, the City of Gold, is the Zulu word used by the inhabitants of Johannesburg to refer to their city. There is, in fact, only one reason why Johannesburg came into being, and that is gold. In 1886, gold prospector George Harrison discovered a vein of gold close to the surface, and that marked the start of a veritable gold rush. Initially, the gold prospectors lived in tents, but a proper settlement soon sprang up.
Within three years, Johannesburg had already become South Africa’s largest city. Johannesburg, also known simply as Joburg, remains the economic centre of South Africa to this day. It is also the heart of the Witwatersrand, a vast built-up area stretching 120 km from Springs in the east to Randfontein in the west. This is the most densely populated area in Southern Africa.
Soweto, the world’s most famous township, is situated in Johannesburg. The name Soweto is derived from ‘South Western Townships’. Initially, in line with apartheid policy, Soweto was divided into neighbourhoods for different ethnic groups, but today the population is highly mixed.
Most houses look like matchboxes and are therefore known as ‘matchboxes’. Sometimes as many as 20 people live in a single small house. For safety reasons, it is not advisable to venture into Soweto on your own. You can visit Soweto safely under the guidance of a local guide, which can often be arranged through your hotel.
Need a hotel? We’ve had great experiences! Be sure to visit the Rooftop Market in the Rosebank neighbourhood – it’s brilliant! The Apartheid Museum is definitely worth a visit. Click here for their website.
Soweto – Jabulani is the first residential area in Soweto to have a professional theatre. On Friday 25 May 2012, this building – an arts and concert complex – opened to the general public. It has been named the Soweto Theatre. It will also be used for conferences, meetings and local community gatherings. The Soweto Theatre is situated on Bolani Road in Jabulani, close to the Koma Road junction, in the heart of Soweto.
Also use the Hop-on Hop-off bus. More information: City Sight Seeing Joburg & Soweto.