Soweto

Within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality lies the bustling urban area known as Soweto (South Western Townships). Soweto, which has a population of over two million, contains 37 suburbs. Orlando, Diepkloof, Devland, Dlamini, Mofolo, Zola, Naledi, Protea Glen, Dobsonville, and Jabavu are a few of the well-known suburbs.

From modest RDP homes to luxurious mansions, Soweto has a wide variety of real estate. To enhance the quality of life for locals, prosperous enterprises have also popped up in Soweto. The rise of this now booming city has been centred on development and infrastructure. 

Soweto is South Africa's fashion, music, dance, sports, medical, and political hotspot. It is recognised as one of the birthplaces of Kwaito and Kasi Rap, the distinctive hip-hop genre that is unheard of anywhere on the globe. The Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, and Orlando Pirates soccer teams are based in Soweto. In 2010, the majestic Soccer City Stadium held the opening and closing ceremonies of the Soccer World Cup.

A brief history of the area

The government began dividing the various races in the country in the 1930s, which led to the creation of Soweto. Some 20,000 squatters settled on territory close to Orlando under the leadership of James Mpanza, the "Father of Soweto." Soweto grew to be South Africa's largest black city. 

During the Apartheid period, it saw civil unrest, and there were significant riots in 1976 that were sparked by a decision that Afrikaans be taught in African schools. The protests were forcefully put down, with 176 striking students slain and more than 1,000 wounded. After reforms, riots returned in 1985 and persisted until the first non-racial elections were conducted in April 1994.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Driving from Soweto to the Johannesburg CBD via the N17 takes around 35 minutes in typical traffic and covers a distance of approximately 26 kilometres. 

Soweto is 53 kilometres from O.R. Tambo International Airport. In normal traffic, this trip will take you around 44 minutes.

Climate

The weather in Soweto is warm and temperate. The driest month is July, which only receives 7 mm of precipitation on average during that year. January has the most rainfall, averaging 136 mm. With an average temperature of 20.4 °C, January is the hottest month of the year, while June is the coldest, with a 9 °C average.

Schools in the area

There are 64 secondary schools and 261 primary schools in Soweto. In terms of higher education facilities, there is one university and two technical institutions. Forte Secondary School, Aurora Girls High School, Moletsane High School, and Vuwani Secondary School are among the local schools. Soweto is home to the Soweto Campus, Soweto College of Education, and Boston City Campus of the University of Johannesburg.

Healthcare in the area

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of the biggest hospitals on the continent, is located in Soweto. Other medical facilities include Freedom Park Clinic, Mandela Sisulu Clinic, Marie Stopes Soweto, Mofolo South Clinic, Moroka Clinic, U-Care Medical Centre, and Zola Gateway Clinic.

Shopping centres

Maponya Mall, Bara Mall, Efresh Mala Magodu, Jabulani Mall, Masingita City, Protea Gardens Mall, Protea Glen Mall, and Sizwe Shopping Centre are some of the closest shopping destinations for Soweto residents.

Restaurants

Visit Sakhumzi Restaurant, Vuyos Restaurant, Wandies Place, and Just Badela Food & Wine, among other notable restaurants, if you're seeking the best place to dine in Soweto.

Special attractions 

Soweto has several landmarks that are well-known to visitors. The home of former South African President Nelson Mandela, now known as the Mandela Family Museum, is one of the biggest attractions in Soweto. Here, you may discover the real story of Nelson Mandela's life before and after jail.

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and museum opened in Soweto in 2002. It is a short distance from the location where 12-year-old Hector Pieterson was murdered on June 16, 1976, during the Soweto uprising. The museum is now a symbol of resistance to the brutality of the apartheid regime.

The Soweto Towers are two enormous cooling towers that can be seen from a great distance because of their brightly painted exteriors. Visitors seeking thrills can free-fall or bungee jump off the towers.

Make Soweto your home. Let it be your story.

Contact the Seeff team if you're looking for the ideal home in Soweto. Our experts can provide you with a variety of residential properties in Soweto that are available for sale or rent.