A walking tour of Soweto offers an immersive experience into the heart of this iconic township, allowing visitors to explore its bustling streets, meet locals, and indulge in local cuisine. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from such a tour:
Key Stops on the Tour
1. Hector Pieterson Memorial
The tour begins at the Hector Pieterson Memorial, a poignant reminder and look back at the 1976 Soweto Uprising. This event marked a significant turning point in the fight against apartheid, as it highlighted the brutal suppression of student protests.
2. Moema Street and Vilakazi Street
Walking down Moema Street, you retrace the steps of the historic march that took place during the uprising. Vilakazi Street is particularly notable as it is the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, once lived.
3. Nelson Mandela's House
Visit Mandela House, now a museum, where you can explore the home of South Africa's former president. This house is a testament to Mandela's early life before his imprisonment.
4. Desmond Tutu's House
Stop by the former home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, another key figure in South Africa's struggle for freedom.
5. Local Lunch Experience
Enjoy local food and a typical, traditional South African meal at a local eatery. This is a great opportunity to taste local cuisine and interact with the community.
6. Orlando East and Soweto Towers
Take a minibus taxi to Orlando East, experiencing the local mode of transport. Visit the Soweto Towers, a popular spot for bungee jumping and panoramic views of the township.
7. Nomzamo Park Informal Settlement
Gain insight into the daily lives of many Soweto residents by visiting an informal settlement. This provides a deeper understanding of the community's challenges and resilience.
Tips for Visitors
Engage with Locals: Soweto is known for its warm hospitality. Engaging with locals can enrich your experience and provide unique insights into the community.
Respect Local Customs: Be respectful to locals and of their customs and traditions. Dress modestly and ask whether you should remove your shoes when entering homes or places of worship.
Support Local Businesses: Consider purchasing local crafts or eating at local restaurants to support the community economically.
Stay Safe: Refrain from carrying expensive cameras around your neck, or have your wallet and camera out in the open. Always stay with your tour group and follow the guide's instructions to ensure safety.
Why Take a Walking Tour?
A walking tour of Soweto offers more than just a sightseeing experience. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of South Africa from a local perspective.
Here are some reasons why you should consider this tour:
Immersive Experience: Walking through the streets allows you to feel the vibrant energy of Soweto firsthand.
Local Insights: Guides share personal stories and insights, offering a deeper understanding of the community.
Community Engagement: Interact with locals, learn about their daily lives, and support local initiatives.
Historical Significance: Soweto played a crucial role in South Africa's struggle for freedom, and this tour highlights key historical sites.
Soweto is a treasure trove of history, culture, and resilience. A walking tour is an excellent way to explore this vibrant township, offering a blend of historical significance, cultural immersion, and community interaction. Whether you are a South African or an international visitor, Soweto has much to offer, from its iconic landmarks to its warm and welcoming people.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
