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Atteridgeville
Known as the jazz capital of South Africa, Atteridgeville boasts many jazz clubs and hosts the famous Jazz in the Park concert on 26 December annually. It is also the last resting place of Kgomotso Ditsego and Irene Phalatsi, two of the first victims of the 1976 uprisings. Kalafong Hospital is located here.
Eersterust
A largely residential area set aside by the apartheid government in 1962 for coloured people, Eersterust is a closely-knit community known for its religious conviction and staunch support of the local soccer team Supersport United.
Garankuwa
Situated some 35 km north of Pretoria, Garankuwa is home to the Medunsa campus of the University of Limpopo which houses the University's Faculty of Medicine. It is also known for the Hirschberg Workshop for the Blind located in a neighbourhood built exclusively for the blind. The township is the residential area for thousands of workers who work in the many factories and a brewery in the township.
Hammanskraal
Hammanskraal is known for its road-side stalls and arts and crafts centres where the work of local artists can be admired and bought. Other tourist attractions include the Tshwane Dam, many game farms, the Berlin Mission Station and the Mandela Square with its striking statue of former President Mandela.
Laudium
The Indian township of Laudium dates from the early 1960s and features many mosques and temples with their characteristic domes, spires, minarets and exquisite interiors. Enjoy typically Indian cuisine in the many restaurants and taverns and shop for spices, curries and beautiful fabrics in the civic centre.
Mabopane
Mabopane has a vibrant township life and is home to the Morula Sun casino complex and the Odi Stadium which stages many soccer matches and athletics meetings. The township is a recent addition to the City of Tshwane being incorporated only in 2000. Originally it was part of Bophutatswana.
Mamelodi
Situated some 20 km east of Pretoria, Mamelodi is one of the oldest townships. It dates from the late 1950s and is the home of the original and unique jazz style called Molomba jazz. Places of interest include the local cemetery for the grave of freedom fighter Solomon Mahlangu who was executed for his part in the Goch Street shooting on 13 June 1977, Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Moretele Park - famous for the annual SA Music Heroes Concert and the Mamelodi campus of the University of Pretoria.
Marabastad
Marabastad, also known as the Asiatic Bazaar, lies close to the city centre of Pretoria and is a bustling business area where the streets are lined with stalls, shops and roving traders that sell almost everything imaginable. Containers piled high with aromatic spices and foodstuffs, and haggling over prices contribute to the exotic market atmosphere. Don't be shy, join in the fun. The beautiful Hindu Mariamman Temple was declared a national monument in 1982.
Olievenhoutbosch
Situated just south of Centurion, this small growing community was established when Centurion was incorporated into the City of Tshwane in 2000. The township is known for its Koi fish breeding farm and Ndebele initiation camps.
Pienaar's River
This township 20 kilometres north of Pretoria is known for its bushveld atmosphere, beautiful scenery and game farms in the lush green regions watered by the Elands, Crocodile and Apies Rivers. It is essentially a farming community.
Soshanguve
Soshanguwe is a cultural melting pot situated some 45 km northwest of Pretoria. The name reflects the different people and cultures found here: Sotho, Shangaan, Nguni and Venda (So-sha-ngu-ve). The mainly residential area boasts some fascinating attractions which include the Tswaing Crater and Museum, lots of jazz taverns, Eric Luvisi's Art Gallery and Matjutla's Albert Museum. Soshanguve is home to the Tshwane University of Technology.
Temba
Temba is home to the Carousel Hotel and Casino and is mainly a residential area. Fresh produce market stalls and shebeens occur throughout the township.
Winterveldt
Spread over a rural area of 65 square kilometres, this is one of the largest townships. It lies on the border of Gauteng and Northwest Province. The Mapoch Cultural Village is well worth a visit.
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The city of Tshwane embraces its diverse and rich cultural heritage which has resulted in a harmonious blend of African roots and European traditions. A visit to Tshwane would not be complete without a taste of township life.
Take a trip to Mamelodi on whose streets the struggle for freedom was fought. Drop by one of the many jazz spots that have made Attridgeville so famous, or mingle with township folk in Hammanskraal and learn about their culture.
Visit a traditional healer, taste local delicacies offered at roadside food stalls, enjoy the arts and crafts and buy a genuine work of art from the many artists who live and work in the townships. A visit to a shebeen is, of course, a must and for those who really want to experience township life and hospitality, how about a sleepover?
You'll be amazed at what awaits you in the previously disadvantaged areas and township communities of Tshwane. Rather than go on your own, contact a tour operator for a scheduled or customized tour that you'll not easily forget. |
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| Many terms/words used in South Africa are not known in most other countries, such as 'shebeen - A township tavern, illegal under the apartheid regime, often set up in a private house and frequented by black South Africans. The word is originally Gaelic.'
More information on South African terms/words.
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