Soweto hits the tourist trail
The South African township of Soweto is putting itself on the world tourist map with a series of “heritage tours” – even if some residents are complaining that visitors treat the destination “like a game reserve”.
According to a report in today’s edition of The Guardian, the tour coaches, which every day “disgorge snap-happy Europeans, Americans and Asians”, are providing much-needed revenue and have led to the opening of several new restaurants and guest-houses.
Leaders on themed tours reportedly lecture the international guests on the history of apartheid, with stops outside the former home of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and the “grey, two-storey home” of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
However, while many residents are said to be in favour of the tours, happy that the area is no longer seen as a no-go area for white visitors, some see the “heritage safaris” as an insult.
One resident is quoted as saying: “They seldom step from their vehicles, and when they do, they don’t buy anything. After they take their photos, they run away.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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