South African Tourism recently launched a thrilling map that takes tourists along the layered passages of Madiba’s Journey. It’s a trail that marks the fight against Apartheid with over 27 landmarks across four provinces. What better way to pay tribute to one of the most iconic revolutionaries of our time?
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” Nelson Mandela
On 5 August 1962, a chauffeur driven vehicle gently meandered along the sloping paths leading towards the town of Howick, in the uMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal. As the car edged along the main R103, toward the small town of Cedara, a Ford V8 full of police officers stopped the vehicle carrying a tall black man wearing a white chauffeur’s jacket. A move that would change the course of the struggle against apartheid.
The sight would have been usual, except it was during the helm of Apartheid. It was Nelson Mandela. He was arrested and would spend the next 27 years of his life as a venerated political prisoner. Recollected historical accounts like the above can be found along the map on Madiba’s Journey. Plan an adventure and track these momentous junctures against the backdrop of an exquisite country. Don’t forget to collect your stamp at each stop!
“The world now knows South Africa for more than our incredible wildlife,” Minister of Tourism Marthinus Van Schalkwyk
Madiba’s Journey in Gauteng
Gauteng is a bustling city with a rich history and much to offer the curious traveller. Make a point of visiting Soweto – an urban township in the southwest of Johannesburg – where the vibe ekasi will enrapture you in its diversity. If you’re not driving (even if you do), you’ll appreciate the experience of downtown transport. Rea Vaya runs through Soweto with many stops throughout downtown Johannesburg. Take the Gautrain into town from the Sandton and Rosebank Stations if coming in from the North of Jozi. En route; go and see The Apartheid Museum, the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, taking you on a fearless look back at the apartheid story.
Once in Soweto, visit the Kliptown Open Air Museum, where delegates to a people’s parliament met in 1955 to adopt the Freedom Charter. A significant institution that contributed in the shaping of the Bill of Rights and the South African Constitution.I went to school just behind Winnie and Mandela’s house, now Mandela House Museum. The pain and brawn that helped to keep its walls up, was the fuel that charged the movement. For further reading on the little house and the events around it, read: Winnie Mandela: A Life. Further on, Hector Pieterson Museum, and the vibey Vilakazi Street (One of South Africa’s most famous streets – the only one in the world to have housed two Nobel Prize winners) will offer both culture and mama’s-style traditional South African dishes. All within walking distance! The Zulu proverb – Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu: ‘A person is a person because of people’, will certainly touch you in this warm and welcoming strip. You’ll want to bring some handy township lingo along. Shaya la (hit here) kasi taal. Sho!
Psst: Adrenalin Junkie? Why not bungee jump in Soweto! Head to Orlando Towers, stand at the rim, pause to view the breath-taking panorama over greater Soweto and then… fall free. For the less adventurous… Take a tour around Soweto on a bike!
Madiba’s Journey in KwaZulu-Natal
Include The Inanda Heritage Route – north of Durban – on your next trip to Kwazulu-Natal. The region experienced first-hand the injustices of Apartheid, birthed the passive resistance movement, becoming an icon of the freedom struggle. With the elections just around the corner, it’s astounding to think of how far we have come in our pursuit for equality. Visit the significant Ohlange High School where Mandela and thousands of others, lined the streets for several hours, to cast their vote for the first time.
Whether you like adventure sports, birding, fishing or game viewing, why not stay along Inanda Dam where you have a plethora of fun-stuff to choose from. For a luxurious stay, sojourn at Sanchia Luxury Guesthouse which offers guests chic escapism (for more ideas on accommodation, visit Getaway Accommodation and choose your region).
For a more prolonged visit in KwaZulu-Natal, The Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, roughly 120 kms away, is a must! The site has enormous significance in the history of the fight against Apartheid.
“I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.” Nelson Mandela
For more details on Madiba’s Journey, as well as other places of interest in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, visit www.southafrica.net, see the full interactive map of Madiba’s Journey here or check out this one-minute walkthrough of how the map works below.
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