The popular Supersport United FC soccer star tells us why South Western Townships is – the township of all townships
I love Soweto because…
It has always been and will always remain an influential part of South Africa. This is the place where the youth uprising of 1976 took place, when scholars arranged a peaceful march against being taught in Afrikaans, only to be shot at by the apartheid police. As Sowetans, parts of our history have been turbulent – but we’ve always come out on top. Look at how rich our culture is, how many locals and foreigners flock to various parts of Soweto daily.
AS A SPORTS FAN, GO TO…
Mabaleng Pub in Moletsane. This sports bar is also part-carwash and part-pool table championship venue. After your team or favourite athlete wins, you can celebrate with patrons over a cold drink and some delicious (barbecued meat).
1683 Legwale Street, Moletsane
The Zone 3 Sports Complex, one of the most inspiring places in my ’hood. The initiative uses sports such as hockey, golf, soccer, athletics, netball and others to equip the township’s children with skills that can potentially result in them becoming professionals in whatever field they choose.
27830 Boikhutso Street, Meadowlands East
The Gary Player Soweto Country Club in Pimville. It’s regarded as one of the most engaging courses to play in the country. It was one of the first golf courses to be built in a township, where black South Africans could play the sport.
Mokoka Street, Pimville Zone 5
FOR A DRINK, TRY…
ShaYe Lounge in Dobsonville for a vibe like no other. The rooftop bar offers magnificent views of Soweto, and the live music performances are always entertaining. Comedians, DJs and other performers keep the theatrics coming.
2674 Mphepheto Street, Dobsonville
FOR COMEDY, GO TO…
The Soweto Theatre, where the likes of Jay Boogie, Smokey Nyembe and Skhumba will tickle your funny bone on a regular basis.
sowetotheatre.com
GRAB A BITE AT…
KOL Café – a vibrant and up-market eatery in Meadowlands, which offers fine dining in the heart of Soweto. Urban meets stylish at this popular “Ndofaya” (the nickname for Meadowlands) hangout. Local cuisine is celebrated here in a way that appeals to the international market – and it’s also the venue where Soweto’s finest jazz musicians perform. kolcafe.co.za
FOR A NIGHT OUT, HEAD TO…
Zone 6, one of the most iconic clubs in Diepkloof, owned by acclaimed DJ/producer Black Coffee. The sought-after venue hosts Soweto’s biggest parties, and with two floors and an outside area, it continues to be one of my favourites when I want to have a good time until dawn.
zone6venue.co.za
WORDS Sibusiso Mkwanazi
