In-depth 2017: Soweto Central

A result of the Apartheid government’s Urban Areas Act, the South West Townships, or Soweto, sprung up in the 1930s as Black South Africans were forcibly moved away from the city of Johannesburg. The area drew international attention in 1976 as the locus of the nationwide student protests against the Bantu Education Act.Today, Soweto has grown beyond its struggle roots and is a space of art, culture, food, religion and sport, and of individuals, who typify the best of South Africa.This project, undertaken by 17 students from Wits Journalism, focused on Orlando East & West, Kliptown, Rockville and Crossroads.

Culture and community

Read about the Muslim community of Orlando East and the Griqua congregants of a church in Kliptown. Female DJs fighting for recognition, local tattoo artists making a name for themselves and young women struggling to keep the tradition of virginity-testing alive, complete the stories covered by this group.

Being Muslim in Soweto

By:Odwa Mjo

For the Islamic community of Orlando East, living in a community that has misconceptions and suspicions about their choice of religion is an everyday reality.

It is 12:30 midday on the corner of the Mosaka and Mofutsunyana streets in Orlando East, Soweto.

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The Griquas of Kliptown

By: Cante Schatz

In the vibrant neighbourhood of Soweto that gave birth to the Freedom Charter, a small Afrikaans-speaking community prays, sings and struggles for survival.

As she sang with the choir, tears began rolling down her cheeks.

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A woman's place is in the house

By: Ntaoleng Lechela

At the heart and soul of the house music scene in Soweto, a small group of female DJs are making a name and claiming the beat all for themselves.

It’s just after sunset on a lazy Sunday evening, when Palesa Sebolao walks into a vast venue. 

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Soweto as virgin territory

By: Nonkululeko Njilo

Virginity testing is a sensitive and controversial topic for those who practise it. 

It is a Saturday morning as I walk down Sofasonke Street in the township of Orlando West, Soweto. 

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Under the skin of tattooing in Orlando

By: Michael Pedro

This piece explores all aspects of the tattoo culture in one of the most iconic parts of Soweto – from the tattoo artists themselves to those who just enjoy the feeling of a tattoo needle piercing their skin, permanently marking their bodies with impressions of their experiences.

In the sweltering heat of the Soweto summer, a small group of people gather outside a home in Orlando West.

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Family and tradition

Meet the soccer fans who literally open their yards to fellow Orlando Pirates supporters and get an introduction to the craft of making sorghum beer. Remember the Credo Mutwa village, a space of many and sometimes contested traditions. And finally, read about the men who are tackling the scourge of gender-based violence.

Lifting the lid on silence

By:Patricia Aruo

Local organization hopes to deal with the criminal activities faced by Soweto’s Orlando East. Young men such as Sibusiso Sithole intend to bring the change needed by the township through activism.

There is no crime in Orlando East. Tina Bhengu is emphatic.

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For the love of the beautiful game

By: Gypseenia Lion

Bringing people together on dusty grounds and cement pavilions to hosting over 40 000 people at Orlando Stadium, the timeless tradition of soccer becomes more than a game but a way of life not only for players but for supporters too.

Alone black and yellow soccer jersey hangs on the laundry line, giving an indication this is the correct address.

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Going bananas for sorghum beer

By: Karen Mwendera 

In Kliptown, Soweto’s oldest residential district, the Oushun family has played a significant role in the community for over 50 years.

Peter Oushun has made it his mission to keep the art of drinking traditional beer alive.

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Restoring the spirit of a village

By: Ntando Thukwana 

The Credo Mutwa Cultural Village is a site of importance for African beliefs, spiritualities and traditions.

Rich in African aesthetics, it is tucked away in the middle of Soweto, in Jabavu, in stark contrast with the eventful, urban and modernised township lifestyle.

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History and future

Read about Soweto’s oldest mosque built in 1940 and a community centre which has become an oasis of support for children on the street. Meet a woman who has dedicated her life to rescuing the homeless and explore some of the township’s tourist spots which are somewhat off the beaten track.

The ABC's of building a brighter future

By: Kayla De Jesus Freitas 

The youth of the small community of Kliptown, in Soweto, face many issues in their daily lives. These include substance abuse, lack of basic facilities and rampant crime.

Despite this, however, there are centres all around the area that aim to assist these youths in building better lives and securing brighter futures.

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Soweto's oldest Mosque

By: Juniour Khumalo

The mosque on 58 Beacon Road in Kliptown claims to be Soweto’s oldest mosque. 

It is midday on a Friday and the maulana (Muslim religious scholar) issues a wailing call to prayer from Kliptown Masjid. Devoted Muslim brothers come from all around Soweto – Kliptown, Eldorado Park, Dlamini, Pimville, Phiri – to give praise to Allah in this house of worship that lays claim to being the oldest mosque in Soweto.

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A rose in thorny Kliptown

By: Zamayirha Peter

Ouma Majola is bringing social change to the community of Kliptown through her community centre Little Rose.

Not only does the centre care for children, but it also provides them with aftercare educational lessons.

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The two sides of the Kliptown coin

By: Tebadi Mmotla

When it comes to tourist attractions in Kliptown, tourists most often visit the popular historical sites.

However, there are other places of historical significance that are not on the usual tourist route and are located in the squatter camps.

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Work and Play

Meet a Sowetan entrepreneur, changing the face of contemporary upholstery. Journey with those who continue with the tradition of home-based businesses. Learn about the dancers of Orlando East, following the rhythm of their lives in a bare hall. And see Kliptown through the eyes of tourists, visiting from Europe and encountering Soweto for the first time.

Fusion of the feet

By: Juwairiyyah Jeena

I sat alone and watched TV.

What a feeling can’t be changed. As they say a smile won’t catch your eye. So goodbye, goodbye, goodbye to loving. Let us be loving…” a deep female voice, hitting all the high notes, blares from a speaker in a room filled with plastic and wooden chairs piled on top of one another on a stage.

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The many faces of tourism in Kliptown

By: Kayleen Morgan

Kliptown, established in 1903, is the oldest residential area in Soweto.

The town holds a rich history, attracting several tourists to the area where the South African freedom charter was adopted, but a contrast between the business district and the residential area means different things for Kliptown business owners who rely on tourism.

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'Kasiprenuers' rising above

By: Nomvelo Chalumbira

Soweto sees a rise in residents turning to the business side in efforts to earn a living.

The gate noisily creaks as you step inside, hearing the hum of machinery; whirring, clanking and grind as the gears press together. 

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Home: the heart of business

By: Chulumanco Mahamba

There is a harmony of taxis hooting, gospel music playing and local traders shouting, “Ice! Ice!” in the air. The stench of rotting vegetables and fried potato chips is inescapable.

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Click here to view the 2018 In-depth reporting project: Melville