Soweto, a township of Joberg, was the site of many historical events including the Soweto uprising, a series of protests held by students in 1976. During the uprising many school children were brutally injured or killed by South African police because of political resistance to apartheid. While in Soweto we also visited the Apartied Museum, which was an incredibly moving experience. The tour started with a very real reflection of what it was like to live in a racially segregated society. Each visitor was randomly issued a "white" or "non-white" ticket and then ushered through the entrance that was suited for their race. This was just the start of what would be a very sobering look into apartheid in South Africa. It was the 1991 release of Nelson Mandela that started a negotiations for a more just society.
After the museum we headed to a local restaurant for a traditional South African lunch. It consisted of 3 different types of pap (a dish similar to grits), tripe (nope I didn't try it), potato salad, and a variety of other tasty traditional salads. Tia even had a few bites of the meal! The restaurant which is a favorite of locals, sits next to Damond Tutu's home so of course we had to venture next door for a peek!
Tutu was not the only notorious resident of Soweto. Nelson Mandela's former home was almost directly across the street. We toured this residence where he and his family lived for many years. It was in this home that he was shot at, fire-bombed or raided almost nightly. The bullet holes still scar the exterior smoke-singed bricks. Inside the home were remnants of a former wall installed to protect his family from bullets.
On the ride back to the hotel we saw their enormous soccer stadium and the former FIFA headquarters. Overall it was an amazing and educational day filled with visits to many historic sites. Tomorrow we finally travel to Gorongosa!!! (I may pee my pants a little!)
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