Imagine your soul stretching out to a world where basic is basic and life sings the songs of truth.
First time visitor to South Africa there were many preconceptions however spending one full day in Johannesburg, they have now all changed.
A population of over 4 million people live in Johannesburg and this can only be truly felt in peak hour traffic. The altitude is 2000 metres above sea level making the air extremely dry with very little humidity and a side of crisp cold air. Known as the “City of Gold” or to the new generation as “Jozi”, this hustling city has occupied many inhabitants making this a multicultural hot spot where you can get any type of food, brands and a change of accents. The city received one of its names because of an Australian known as George Harrison who discovered Gold in 1886. Today there are still mines excavating gold right near the city walls as this land just keeps on giving.
From walking the streets in the central city area to visiting Constitutional Hill which was the prison where Nelson Mandela and Gandhi were held before going to the courts, “Jozi” comes complete with contrast everywhere you turn. There are new hip areas popping up bringing with it university students, schools and new apartments creating a safe environment while bringing in the tourists. Lumune is one of these new areas in Johannesburg located just near Nelson Mandela Bridge and close to the main train and bus stations. With this new upgrade, investors are flocking to the city and this has forced crime to decrease and government initiatives to increase in rejuvenating surrounding areas.
Johannesburg from the outlook post of the Carlton Centre looks like a scene from the late 70’s when viewing the east. The typical grey, brown toned buildings resemble a scene from a Hollywood movie while as you look south, you see new developments and a more dense population. The north is green with a man-made lake and new houses while the west is a buzzing downtown area.
Major attractions to see when visiting Johannesburg include Mandela House, Soweto and Rosebank.
Soweto – The place where the middle class, lower middle class and the poor meet to form the world’s largest township. At first I put away my camera to take in the surroundings of how they live here in South Africa but as the journey continued, my camera became the eyes into a world where contradiction makes sense.
The only way to do Soweto is with a proper guide and Zweli of Josh Explorer was just brilliant in his delivery. Moving through the side streets, you see the many houses with no electric fence as this part of Soweto is the safest with a zero crime rate. Nearly every home had a BMW, Audi or Mercedes. Then we turn into another street and stop. To the right are these large homes made out of brick but then to the left across a patch of grass you see homes so close together that they look like little cubby houses. This was the lower middle class. The government are building brick homes now and removing row by row of these houses giving the residents fresh water within their homes and electricity. It is a slow process but well received.
We continue to meander through the laneways observing the community and acknowledging children as they pump water from an outside tap which would be used for drinking or cooking food.
Then to my surprise we were now heading to the poverty area of Soweto. Stopped just off the main road where Zweli the guide advised that one of the locals would now take over and walk through the streets as to where he lives.
As you can see from the pictures below, this experience is one every fortunate individual should see as the reminder of the values of life and the simplicity hits you to your core.
These people live in metal sheds where the temperature outside turns these homes into ovens. Some homes have up to three generations living within a small space.
The local guide invited me to visit inside one of the homes and again to my surprise, the place was clean. The mother of the home was this loving human being who was so proud of her family and her home and just continued to smile with open arms. You felt her warmth and especially her strength. She is happy and extremely comfortable with whom she is and that for me was inspiring.
Heading back to the vehicle, a tip to the local guide is important as this money would be used to feed not only his family but many others in the area. I felt completely safe as they know by creating an experience on this tour would lead to more visitors coming creating a source of income for the community.
Mandela House – 8115 Orlando West Soweto
Entering the house built in 1945 where the one and only Nelson Mandela lived was one of the key highlights so far. As the house is now a museum showcasing Mandela’s role and noticeable sacrifices he made for the people of South Africa is still today overwhelming. The house clearly shows signs of where the authorities tried to burn the place down and how his wife and the children use to hide behind the retaining wall in the kitchen to escape the showering bullets. The truth of this place rings core to any human soul as it portrays the importance of life and the struggles one goes through in order to bring respect to one’s family and culture.
The house is open daily from 9am to 5pm and a local guide will take you around sharing their knowledge of the events that changed not only South Africa but the World.
Entry price for adults is R40 and for students R20 and children under 6 years R5.
For more information click on www.mandelahouse.org
Lunch in Soweto is just a short walk down from Mandel House and for 6 people including a buffet lunch with alcohol was only R700. One local beer was only AUD$1.50.
Rosebank craft market:
Superb for family gifts and the odd canvas paintings of South Africa. Be sure to haggle especially downstairs and be prepared to shop as the detail of some items makes it hard to leave behind.
There is also a formal shopping centre where you can buy anything from luxury items to fast food.
Only 5 minutes from the Ten Bompas hotel, Rosebank is the perfect place to hang out on an afternoon and shop.
School singers outside the markets |
