Freedom Square in Kliptown:
Famously known as the site where more than 3 000 people attended what became known as the Congress of the People in 1955 to adopt the Freedom Charter, a document in which oppressed South Africans formulated ideas of a society free from apartheid. Despite a police blockade barring the area, people came from far and wide to see the Freedom Charter signed in June of 1955. We will be doing a walk in this area and also explore some local markets.

Kliptown Youth Center:
Founded in early 2007 by a small group of inspired and passionate young people from Kliptown, dedicated to making a difference in their community, the Kliptown Youth Program provides educational support and after-school activities for the disadvantaged children of this township. We will get to learn how this program helps the children of this community and also do a short walk in the area so that you can understand and learn how the people from this part of Soweto live.

Regina Mundi Church:
The largest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa. The Latin ‘Reginae Mundi’ means “Queen of the World” and refer to the Virgin Mary. Famous for its painting of the black Madonna.
The Church first wrote its name in South Africa’s history books during apartheid, when it opened its doors to anti-apartheid groups and provided shelter to activists. It was during 16th June 1976 that the student made an uprisings, protesting students fled to Regina Mundi from Orlando Stadium to escape the police’s bullets and teargas canisters. The police followed the students into the church, firing live ammunition and damaging the marble altar and crucifix. Bullet holes are still visible in the church today. We will have the opportunity to visit the inside of the church.

Vilikazi Street:
It is probably the most famous street in the huge township of Soweto. Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived here, how many places can claim that two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived in the same street? Tutu still lives here with his wife Leah, and Mandela’s house has become a museum. We will get to walk the whole street, visit the Mandela’s house and enjoy some local souvenir shopping.

Hector Pieterson Memorial:
Is a heritage site intrinsically linked to the origins of the Soweto Uprisings. On 16 June 1976, thousands of students had gathered in Orlando West around Vilakazi Street and the precinct where the Hector Pieterson Museum is presently located to begin a protest march against the imposition of the Afrikaans language as the medium of instruction in Soweto’s schools. More students from the various parts of the sprawling townships were still on their way to Orlando West/Phefeni. Police opened fire, killing Hastings Ndlovu and Hector Pieterson. The shooting sparked off days of unrest and hundreds of deaths. The Soweto uprisings had begun…

The Orlando Towers:
The two cooling towers are a prominent landmark in Soweto. They were built in 1951. Today it’s an entertainment center. We will make a stop for pictures and for those who are brave enough, can do the bungee jump at their own expense.