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 also 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 the June 16, 1976 during the student uprisings when 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. We will have the opportunity to visit the inside of the church.

Vilikazi Street:
It is probably the most famous street in the huge Soweto township in Johannesburg. 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. We will get to visit the museum and the memorial.

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.