Townships around Pretoria
Everybody knows the word “township” but what is the real history behind them?
They offer great attractions, for both tourists and visitors and you can experience the lifestyle through township tours. Townships originated because of the Group Areas Act during the height of apartheid and caused the emergence of black communities.
It is well worth it to experience the the tastes of different lifestyles in and around Pretoria.
Atteridgeville
Atteridgeville is a vibrant and diverse township established in 1939, with many places of interest.
The township is a popular tourist attraction for local as well as international tourists well known for its many restaurants, shebeens and taverns.
On the 26th of December (Day of Goodwill) jazz lovers come together for the annual Jazz in the Park concert and is considered one of the best one-day jazz festivals in the world.
25.7733° S, 28.0714° E
Hammanskraal
Hammanskraal became a popular destination for farmers traveling through the region to the North.
The name Hammanskraal is derived from an early local farmer “Hamman” and kraal, is referred to an animal coral.
Hammanskraal is about 38km north of the city centre and is home to a number of market stalls, where local delicacies and home grown art can be purchased.
Visitors can watch as art pieces by the locals, transform before their eyes. The art pieces include a variety of sculptures, weaving and bead art that can be bought and displayed.
25.4000° S, 28.2833° E
Onverwacht
Situated north east from Cullinan, this area is referred to as “bloedgrond” by the residents because of its rich history. Onverwacht’s descendants are mainly freed Malay slaves who arrived in 1857 and intermarried the Pedi’s, they call themselves black Afrikaners after Paul Kruger have given them the land for their assistance during the Anglo Boer War.
On Sunday’s tourists are welcome to enjoy a church service followed by tea, cakes and donkey car rides.
25.6040° S, 28.6000° E
Mamelodi
The word Mamelodi means “mother of melodies” and true to its name, this is where the unique jazz style “molombo jazz” originated from, derived from mbaqanga, traditional Ndbele and Pedi drumming, Zionist gospel music and the African jazz guitar.
These sounds echo the streets of Mamelodi daily.
The main tourist attraction, is the local cemetery, which is the burial place of many freedom fighters including Solomon Mahlangu (an ANC freedom fighter hanged on 6 April 1979 for his part in the Goch Street Shooting on 13 June 1977 in Johannesburg).
Other sites worth seeing in the rondavels, which were the first official housing in the Township, as well as the Solomon Mahlangu square, where the Mamelodi Massacre took place in 1985.
Through guided bicycle tours of Mamelodi – during which visitors stop at local heritage sites and learn about the history and origin of the area – the Mamelodi Heritage Experience aims to raise the profile of Mamelodi and make it one of the major tourist destinations in South Africa. Mamelodi is truly a historical place worth seeing and experiencing.
25.7022° S, 28.3275° E
Soshanguve
This Township, which is mainly a residential area, boasts the world acclaimed Tswaing Crater, a 220 000 year old meteorite crater and the first eco-tourism site in South Africa.
The Tswaing crater is home to 420 floral species and 320 bird species. It is also home to the famous Nguni castle and authentic Ndebele village. Come and experience the way the tribes lived hundreds of years ago.
25.5269° S, 28.1089° E
Marabastad
Marabastad, also known as the Asiatic Bazaar, named after the Pedi Chief, Chief Maraba, is a Mecca for bargain shopping, with hundreds of stalls where African delicacies such as nuts and dried mupani worms are sold.
Here you will also find the oldest Hindu Temple, Mariamman temple in the city as well as the Tshwane University of Technology.
25.7410° S, 28.1759° E
Laudium
Laudium, means pretty place, and a visit to Laudium will be enriched by fine architecture and interiors of mosques, temples and churches. This community is made up of four religious groups, which is Muslim, Hindu, Tamil and Christian.
Local cuisine is typical indian, featuring a wide range of curries on almost every menu. Since the majority of residents are Muslim, all food is strictly halaal.
25.7881° S, 28.1067° E
Ga Rankuwa
Ga Rankuwa is known as “Place of the Sheep Farmer” but ironically today it is a modern township with no sheep to be seen.
The area is surrounded by the Magaliesberg and is the home to the world renowned medical campus of the University of Limpopo and the Hirchenberg Workshop for the blind.
The Workshop is a neighbourhood that is built exclusively for the blind. They can walk around freely and safely with the knowledge that the neighbourhood is designed for them.
25°37′12″S 27°58′48″E
Eersterust
Eersterust was set aside by the apartheid government for coloured people.
The people of Eersterust has become a very close lit community and developed its own culture and traditions. They are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality.
25.7069° S, 28.3092° E
The segregated living of different population groups enforced by the Group Areas Act during the height of apartheid caused the emergence of black communities, known as townships.
Refilwe Township
Refilwe offers you a unique Township experience within the greater Cullinan Area, where you have the opportunity to visit various places of interest.
You can meet with the locals and experience their everyday life, by consulting a traditional doctor, or have a try at their homemade brew.
The main attractions includes the Tshepong Multi Purpose Centre, No 7 Mine Dam and the Big Mama’s Tavern, to name but a few.
25.639°S 28.528°E
Mabopane
Mabopane is one of Pretoria’s largest townships, and most residents are employed in nearby industrial areas such as the Rosslyn and Mabopane Stations.
For a unique shopping experience you can visit the Central View Shopping Mall, or if you want to experience gambling with a difference you can go to the Morula Sun.
If you are a sports fan you can always visit to the Odi Stadium, where countless soccer matches have taken place.
25°30′0″S 28°4′48″E
Winterveld
Winterveld is a buzzing community with small local businesses catering for the daily needs of the large community.
Local taverns and roadside shops provide the residents with meeting places where they can enjoy each other’s company. Most residents work in nearby residential areas.
25.420°S 27.949°E
Olievenhoutbosch
This Township was established when Centurion was incorporated into Tshwane in 2000.
Olievenhoutbosch is a fast growing residential area and offers visitors interesting attractions, such as a koi fish-breeding farm and the Ndebele Cultural Centre.
25.90707°S 28.09379°E
Now that you know the history and main tourist attractions, there is no reason not to visit. So get ready for a new and enriching experience.
When travelling to and visiting a township, ShowMe recommends tourists to be alert and vigilant around tourism safety, and not to enter unfamiliar areas – especially at night.