Soweto: Heartbeat of Johannesburg's Rich History and Vibrant Culture

• HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAM-bah kah-hleh]
• YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
• NoCha
  [chah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ng-yah-CEH-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ng-yah-BON-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [oo-SOH-loh]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [oon-JAH-nee]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ng-yah-PEE-lah. WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [oo-khoo-LOO-mah ee-see-NGEE-see]
• I don't understandAngazi
  [ahng-GAH-zee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgiyavumela ukubona iminyango, sicela
  [ng-yah-voo-MEH-lah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-mee-NYAHN-goh, see-CEH-lah]
• I don't eat meatAngiyi kudla inyama
  [ahng-GEE-ee koo-DLA ee-NYAH-mah]
• Cheers!Oogy!
  [OOH-gy!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgiyacela ukudlala, sicela
  [ng-yah-CEH-lah oo-koo-DLA-lah, see-CEH-lah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [oo-SEE-zoh]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [HAM-bah]
• Call the Police!Biza amaphoyisa!
  [BEE-zah ah-mah-poh-YEE-sah]
• Call a doctor!Biza umndeni!
  [BEE-zah oom-DEH-nee]
• I'm lostNgizwe ngizopha
  [ng-eez-weh ng-ee-ZOH-pah]
• I'm illNgisilungile
  [ng-ee-see-LOO-ngi-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Ngiyavumela ukuthenga...
  [ng-yah-voo-MEH-lah oo-koo-THEHNG-gah...]
• I'm just lookingNgicabanga kuphela
  [ng-ee-chah-BAHNG-gah koo-PEH-lah]
• How much is it?Kuyacela inani?
  [koo-yah-CEH-lah ee-NAH-nee]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kungakwazi okukhokha
  [loh-khoo koo-ngah-KWAH-zee oh-koo-KOH-khah]
• Can you lower the price?Ungakwenzi ukushintsha inani?
  [oo-ngah-kwehn-zee oo-koo-SHEENT-shah ee-NAH-nee]

• What time is it?Ngubani ixesha?
  [ngoo-BAH-nee ee-GHEH-shah]
• It's one o'clockKuyisikhombisa esihlanu
  [koo-yee-see-khohm-BEE-sah eh-see-HLAH-noo]
• Half past (10)Ngothathu
  [ngoh-TAH-too]
• MorningEkuseni
  [eh-koo-SEH-nee]
• AfternoonNtambama
  [ntahm-BAH-mah]
• EveningSikathi
  [see-KAH-tee]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [ee-ZOH-loh]
• TodayNamhlanje
  [nahm-HLAHN-jeh]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
• 4Kune
  [koo-neh]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
• 6Isithandathu
  [ee-see-tahn-dah-too]
• 7Isikhombisa
  [ee-see-khohm-BEE-sah]
• 8Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-lohm-BEE-lee]
• 9Isishiyagalolunye
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-loh-LOO-nyeh]
• 10Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-lohm-BEE-lee]

• Where's a/the...?Kodwa kuphi...?
  [kohd-wah koo-pee...]
• What's the address?Iphi i-adrese?
  [ee-pee ee-ah-DREH-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Uzokwazi ukungibonisa (emephu)?
  [oo-zoh-KWAH-zee oo-koo-ngi-BOH-nee-sah (eh-MEH-poo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuphi isikhathi esilandelayo (ibhasi)?
  [koo-pee ee-see-KHAH-tee eh-see-lahn-deh-LAH-yoh (ee-bah-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Intikiti (ku ....)
  [een-tee-KEE-tee (koo ....)]

Soweto, an acronym for South Western Townships, was established in the 1930s as a result of the apartheid policies that forced black South Africans to live in segregated areas outside Johannesburg. Originally, it began as a small township for black workers who migrated to Johannesburg in search of jobs during the gold rush. The establishment of this area was part of the broader system of racial segregation that characterized South Africa during this period.

On March 21, 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre occurred just outside Soweto, where police opened fire on a peaceful protest against pass laws, killing 69 people. This tragic event highlighted the brutality of the apartheid regime and galvanized international attention towards the struggle for liberation in South Africa. The massacre marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement, leading to increased resistance and the eventual rise of more militant groups.

On June 16, 1976, Soweto was the epicenter of a student-led protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The uprising began when thousands of students marched to demonstrate their opposition, leading to violent confrontations with the police. The event resulted in the deaths of hundreds of students and highlighted the injustices faced by black South Africans. The Soweto Uprising became a symbol of resistance and played a crucial role in mobilizing both domestic and international opposition to apartheid.

In the years following the end of apartheid in 1994, Soweto has experienced a cultural renaissance. The area is now known for its vibrant arts scene, including music, dance, and visual arts. The Soweto Gospel Choir, for instance, has gained international acclaim, while various festivals celebrate the township's rich cultural heritage. The establishment of the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum helps to preserve the history of the struggle against apartheid and serves as a reminder of Soweto's significant role in South Africa's journey toward democracy.

Today, Soweto is a thriving urban area that reflects the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa. It is home to both affluent suburbs and areas still grappling with the legacies of poverty and inequality. Key landmarks such as Vilakazi Street, known for being the only street in the world where two Nobel Laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, lived, attract tourists. Development initiatives aim to uplift the community, fostering economic growth while preserving the rich history and cultural identity of Soweto.

Soweto is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Johannesburg. The most convenient way to reach Soweto is by car or taxi. The M1 and N1 highways provide direct routes to the area. Public transportation options include the Gautrain, which connects to the Soweto line at the Johannesburg station, and from there, you can take a minibus taxi or a local bus. Alternatively, the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit system operates routes that connect Soweto to the central business district.

Soweto is well served by public transport. The Rea Vaya bus system is a reliable and affordable way to navigate the area, with dedicated bus lanes and frequent services. Minibus taxis are also prevalent and can transport you around Soweto quickly, although they can be crowded. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle or joining a guided bike tour to explore the neighborhood's rich history and vibrant culture.

While many areas of Soweto are safe for tourists, some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, particularly around night-time. Areas like Diepkloof and parts of Orlando West may require extra caution, especially after dark. It is advisable to avoid displaying valuables and to use reputable transport options. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and always be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for ambulance services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Soweto. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility in case of a serious situation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting local churches or cultural sites. Avoid flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect the local customs, especially when visiting sacred places. It is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly or those in need. Don't engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'howzit.' A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept invitations to share a meal. Don't waste food or drink alcohol in public spaces unless you are in a designated area, as this is frowned upon.

To experience Soweto like a local, visit Vilakazi Street, where you can find Nelson Mandela's former home and Desmond Tutu's residence. Engage with local artisans at the Market on Main for handmade crafts and food. Attend a local soccer match for a vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the Soweto Uprising Memorial for a poignant insight into the area's history. Remember to greet and engage with locals, as they are often welcoming and eager to share their stories.