Soweto Area Information

Soweto at a glance

Since its inauspicious birth in the early 1900's, the urban township of Soweto has weathered political turmoil, tremendous social hardship, extreme poverty, and some of the most brutal clashes and resistance movements between the civilians and police forces (namely the Soweto Uprising which began on the morning of June 16 in 1976). However, despite a tumultuous history and arduous present, the Gauteng township of Soweto (the syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships) has become a major draw card within the South African tourism industry, the international tourism industry and the property development market.

Just like the city of Johannesburg, the township of Soweto is linked directly to the discovery of gold in 1885 and the segregation which stemmed from the Apartheid regime, when thousands of South Africans and foreigners descended upon the area. As the demand for housing increased, numerous townships sprang up along the outskirts of Johannesburg, establishing the townships as a base from which labourers and miners could access the goldfields and other industries in the metropolitan. With the influx of migrant workers reaching phenomenal numbers, Soweto soon became the biggest urban settlement in Africa.

Today, Soweto's urban sprawl falls within the municipality of the Johannesburg Metro Council and is abuzz with unparalleled vibrancy, fascinating cultures and sub cultures and an incredible history which can be felt as you walk through the beaten streets of this populous African residential area. Boasting a large expanse of fascinating heritage sites and attractions, including Kliptown (Soweto's oldest residential district where the Freedom Charter was drawn up), the Hector Petersen Memorial Site and a large variety of locally owned and operated shebeens; Soweto offers palpable contrast to the usual sun drenched African terrain and picturesque mountain and ocean backdrops which have become synonymous with tourism in South Africa.

Following a number of massive developments in 2008, a rapidly expanding tourism industry, and various private and public projects sprouting up in the area, Soweto has become a sought after commercial and property development hub in South Africa. An emerging housing market, a decline in migration flight, a reduction in crime and undeniable tourism potential has encouraged private investors to pour their money and faith into Soweto property, as the township continues its ascent to becoming a commercial and residential development goldmine.

Whether you're looking for a 5 bedroom family home in Protea Glen, or an apartment in Jabulani, Leapfrog Properties can assist you in finding the perfect Soweto real estate. Contact one of our real estate agents now, and find out more about the various property investment opportunities in Africa's most famous urban settlement.