The History and Interesting Annual Events in Soweto

Soweto has been through more than most countries could handle. Its history is replete with violence, poverty, racial discrimination, and sadness. The story of the Sowetans is one of anguish, drama, perseverance, and pride.

Soweto was established as a township to enforce segregation of African blacks from whites. It was chosen because it already existed as a town with many blacks who were there to look for gold during the gold rush of 1885.

For many years, poverty and an overcrowded Soweto with poor facilities and a mediocre educational system was endured by Sowetans. It wasn’t until 1976 when the Soweto riots forced the hands of the authorities and drew attention to their plight that things began to look more promising.

In 1983, Soweto Africa was finally made an independent municipality, able to elect their own councilors instead of being under the Johannesburg council. With this, Sowetans were able to address certain issues plaguing their community such as housing and infrastructure. It wasn’t smooth sailing all the time, but most of the issues were addressed and worked on such as corruption and oppression within the council.

Father of Soweto

The “Father of Soweto” is James Mpanzaa squatter leader who was responsible for the first invasion in 1944 in defense of over 20,000 fellow squatter demanding for better housing and the right to own the land they were living in. He eventually became the leader of the Sofasonke Party which is the first civic group in Johannesburg, South Africa. He died in 1970 and just a year ago, was given the deed of his house and rights to own the land posthumously.

Soweto Youth Day

In 1976, scores of young students protested in the streets in an effort to gain more support for their education. Sadly, at that time, the authorities were ill-equipped to deal with the protest properly and as many as 500 young high school kids died. Since then the National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 16th June to remember these young protesters who sacrificed their lives for a better life.

This Soweto riot was also in protest of the Bantu Education Act which in brief, taught African blacks how to be equipped to work for the whites under a budget which was severely low compared to the budget for education for white African children.

Changes swiftly ensued after worldwide attention was drawn after the Soweto riots. Classrooms were build and a monument for Hector Pieterson, the young 13 year old who died from a policeman’s bullet. Soweto also became the inspiration for others to fight apartheid.

In 2011, the 35th anniversary of National Youth Day was more festive than ever before. There were bands, local artists, children in their school uniforms, dancing, and cheering. The theme for the year was Youth Action for Economic Freedom In Our Lifetime. It was a wonderful time to celebrate the changes in the educational system and the economic growth with an emphasis on job creation.

Soweto Today

There is now a private section of Soweto where freehold titles are being assigned to properties. It has several significant monuments like the Freedom Square which commemorates the Freedom Charter which promotes equality among races under the law. The matchbox houses remain which are a sad reminder of days past. Fortunately, they have been renovated and turned into quaint homes for many of the locals.

With such a rich tapestry of human drama, struggle, hope and defiance, it is little wonder why Soweto is iconic in South Africa and known throughout the world. Before visiting, be sure to check out the cameras for sale at a good online store, and buy something of quality that will record memories well worth keeping for life.