Top 10 Historical Facts about Vilakazi Street, Soweto

Vilakazi Street Soweto. Photo by jit bag – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Historical Facts about Vilakazi Street, Soweto

Soweto’s history perfectly illustrates the deep struggle against apartheid. We will be able to learn about the history of every person who made Vilakazi street an iconic street. SOWETO is the most populous black urban residential area in the country, with a population of around a million.

1. Walter Sisulu Square, where the South African Freedom Charter was signed in 1955

Homes on Mandela’s Vilakazi street Soweto, Johannesburg. Gauteng, South Africa. Nov ’12. Photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru – Wikimedia Commons

 Walter Sisulu Square, where the South African Freedom Charter was signed in 1955, and the famous Vilakazi Street that Nelson Mandela once lived on, and now boast authentic shebeen taverns and restaurants where we will meet with locals and have a delicious lunch.

2. The township of Soweto to the south-west of Johannesburg has transformed

Hector Pieterson shooting site, cnr Vilakazi & Moema Streets, Soweto. The site where Hector Pieterson is reputed to have been shot by Police. It now has a memorial to his memory. Photo by Andrew Hall – Wikimedia Commons

The township of Soweto to the southwest of Johannesburg has transformed from a legacy of the apartheid era to a vibrant, energetic hub that will ignite your senses and immerse you in true South African culture.

3. Soweto is one of the most well-known streets in South Africa

Soweto TV Logo Transparent. This is the logo for the South African Community Television Channel, Soweto TV which is based in Soweto, Vilakazi Street. Photo by Soweto Community Television – Wikimedia Commons

 The thriving heart of Soweto is one of the most well-known streets in South Africa, Vilakazi Street.  

While Vilakazi Street may be the only street in the world that can claim to have had two Nobel Laureates as residents – the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

4. Sakhumzi Restaurant is located on Vilakazi Street

Soweto, Orlando West, Vilakazi Street au Carrefour des rues Moema et Mgakane Soweto Afrique du Sud. Photo by PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ – Wikimedia Commons

The true electricity of this street comes from those who now call it home, each with their own beautiful stories.

Sakhumzi Restaurant is located on Vilakazi Street near the Mandela House Museum. The restaurant started after a group of friends would gather to tell stories and build friendships.

Inevitably hunger would kick in and the smell of a delicious meal being cooked in Sakhumzi Maqubela’s home would tempt these and Sakhumzi found himself sharing his dinner every night.

5. In the true spirit of Ubuntu, everyone contributed to the ingredients and drinks

Vilakazi Street Soweto. Photo by jit bag – Wikimedia Commons

In the true spirit of Ubuntu, everyone contributed to the ingredients and drinks and before long the lounge had become an informal shebeen. The eating areas soon spilled over into every room of the house.

Now, people come from all over the world to taste the authentic Kasi flavor. What makes it special is that the famous tree is still rooted in the place where it all began.

6. Sakhumzi means “building a house”

Soweto, Mandela House rue Vilakazi à Soweto Afrique du Sud. Photo by PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ – Wikimedia Commons

Sakhumzi, which means “building a house”, is popular for its Soweto-style buffet – a variety of proudly South African traditional cuisine such as umngqusho (samp and beans), mogodu (tripe), and dombolo (steamed bread).

Travelers can also feast on the range of self-styled signature dishes named after various Soweto locations.

7. Sakhumzi has contributed to the vibrant energy of Vilakazi Street

VELDSKOEN HERITAGE VILAKAZI (YELLOW SOLE). Vilakazi Street is probably the most famous street in Soweto, a huge township that forms part of Johannesburg. It was named after Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, a Zulu poet, novelist, and educator, who was also the first black South African to receive a Ph. D. Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived in Vilakazi Street. Not many places in the world can claim that two Nobel Prize winners lived there! Photo by Rosszondagh – Wikimedia Commons

Sakhumzi has over the years not only contributed to the vibrant energy of Vilakazi Street but also had a massive impact on the inhabitants of Vilakazi Street.

Refiloe Mosala started out working as a waitress at Sakhumzi’s and paid to put herself through law school and built her law firm.

Lindi and Bongani Sidisi started a small business supplying meat to Sakhumzi and have built a thriving family legacy.

8. Sakhumzi’s restaurant has created additional employment opportunities

The kitchen at Nelson Mandela Museum, Soweto. Nelson Mandela Museum, Soweto Various photos and honorary degree certificates on shelves. Freedom Charter is just above the stove. Photo by Fihliwe – Wikimedia Commons

Sakhumzi’s restaurant created additional employment opportunities when they started the Sakhumzi farm. Mandla Nxumalo is the manager of the farm and he also works to maintain a thriving urban farm on the outskirts of Soweto.

9. Lonwabo Mhlope wanted to ensure that the visitors to Vilakazi Street

At the unveiling of a plaque by Archbishop Desmond Tutu at his residence in Vilakazi Street. Photo by Johan Wessels – Wikimedia Commons

Lonwabo Mhlope who is a proud resident wanted to ensure that the visitors to Vilakazi Street can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all this electric place has to offer with peace of mind.

He started a private security firm that patrols the area and ensures the safety of both residents and visitors alike.

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well along the length of this famous street. Neo Mamashela was retrenched from her job, and instead of feeling defeated, she worked to set up a thriving B and B which hosts travelers from all over the world with warmth, care, and attention to detail.

Adding to the energy of this precinct is a troupe of performers called the Soweto Skeleton Movers who have gone on to world fame, from humble beginnings as street performers. Tachma Mametja also saw an opportunity to share her exquisite talent with visitors to the area.

She works very closely with Lebo Malepa, the owner and founder of Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, a popular accommodation for travelers from all over the world.

10. The Box Shop is another wonderful story born from Vilakazi Street

Mandela House museum Vilakazi Street Soweto. Photo by jit bag – Wikimedia Commons

Another wonderful story born from Vilakazi Street is that of the Box Shop. Lifestyle retail enterprise The Box Shop on Vilakazi Street, Soweto is an incubator established to help young entrepreneurs overcome obstacles often faced by owners of SMEs (small to medium businesses).

The Box Shop creates job opportunities for young entrepreneurs to extend their businesses in global markets.