Soweto, jou lekker ding!
I’m no stranger to Soweto. I’ve been there to cover many stories as a journo, I’ve been there with friends (a favourite Sunday lunch option is Nambithas), and I’ve been there to trace the footsteps of icons such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
But sjoe. this time round, Soweto, you really wowed me!
You showed me a side I’ve never seen before. And damn, I love it.
Bungee jumping, scad freefalling, quad biking, eating skop and freshly made vetkoek with polony, cheese and atchar on a street corner.
A bicycle ride to the Hector Pietersen memorial, lunch in the famous Vilakazi Street, drinks at a local tavern and then on to wine tasting.
Pity about the power outage that meant we couldn’t see the One Square Mile musical theatre production at the Soweto Theatre, but I’m going back to see it – promise. And I’m taking along some friends who’ve never been to Soweto.
The highlight for me was quad biking through the township, and the interaction with the residents. Children ran out to see us go past, people came out of their homes and businesses and waved us on our way.
Through residential streets, narrow alleys, over fields we went. Stopping for a quick break and photo opportunity at Tiger’s Place – one of the sets of local soapie Zone 14 – was a nice surprise.
Then a quick snack at a street corner: skop, vetkoek and cooldrinks before heading to the Hector Pietersen memorial for a quick history lesson and some shopping at the curio stalls lining the street.
Then it was lunch at Vilakazi Restaurant, where a pantsula dance troupe provided the entertainment. Here I was introduced to a concoction called “Still Working”, apparently a favourite with golfers after a long round.
The entertainment wasn’t over. From Vilakazi it was on to The Shack, a local watering hole where the seats are empty beer crates and the beer is served in bottles rather than glasses.
We received a warning to pace ourselves ahead of the wine-tasting at Morara’s Wine and Spirits establishment. Here, tables are laid out on a deck and we watch the sun set sipping some great local wines, a fantastic way to chill after a day of high adrenaline.
It was a whirlwind romance. I’m hooked and I’m going back for more.
Next time maybe I won’t chicken out at the bungee. Maybe.
* Soweto Tour sponsored by Gauteng Tourism Authority and South African Tourism
