In the past, Soweto was visited by tourists in tour buses because of the violence and crime attached to it. But in recent years a lot has changed regarding what Soweto has to offer.

Touring Soweto in a bus and learning about the township's history from a tour guide is different from the experience that can be gained by being among the locals and experiencing it first hand - from the rich political history, festivals and adventure sports to flamboyant accommodation.

The South Western Township, was established in the 1930s and is the largest township in Africa.

Soweto is a melting pot of South African cultures and has developed its own sub-cultures - especially for the young. Sowetans have also developed their own local lingo, Tsotsitaal, now spoken in various townships around the country.

It is a diverse mix of several local languages, Afrikaans and street slang that is constantly evolving.

Things to do in Soweto:

Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial Site. The memorial and museum opened in 2002, not far from the spot where 12-year-old Hector was shot on June 16, 1976, during the Soweto uprising.

Today it is a symbol of resistance.

There are many shopping malls around Soweto: Jabulani Mall, Protea Gardens, Maponya Mall and Bara Mall.

Visit Nelson Mandela's former house, now a museum in Orlando.

Hang out with the locals at shebeens.

Visit clubs, such as The Rock in Rockville and Backroom in Pimville.

Visit various Shesa Nyamas (hangout spots where you can braai and eat meat) such as Panyaza in Rockville.

Visit restaurants such as Wandies Place and Nambitha in Dube.

Go bungee-jumping or power swinging off Orlando Towers.

To complete your experience, stay over at one of Soweto's guesthouses.

One of the best known places is Lolo's, a three-star guesthouse in Diepkloof.

Lolo's, which has won numerous awards over the years, has three en-suite double rooms and a double room with a separate bathroom. Breakfast is served, with lunch and dinner on request.

Lolo's lapa can function as a restaurant or conference centre for up to 30 delegates.

Local tour operators are available for tailor-made tours.

Another well-known guesthouse is Vhavenda Hills, a three-star establishment situated in Orlando West.

This guesthouse is close to Vilakazi Street and Hector Pieterson's memorial site, which gives guests a variety of things to do without travelling far.

Vhavenda Hills has four two twin rooms each with en-suite bathrooms, a large double room with en-suite bathroom and a single room.

The house has excellent security and under-roof parking. Evening meals can be arranged and access to Internet, e-mail and fax is available. In addition, the B&B has a comfortable television lounge with a fireplace, and a spacious dining room.

DStv is provided, and laundry services and transfers are available on request.

Both these guesthouses are priced from R275 a person, per night.

Your host or hostess can guide you as to where to go and tell you more about Soweto's political history.

The growth of guesthouses in Soweto and developments around the township have created more jobs for Sowetans and growth in South Africa's economy.

The facts

Soweto is the only place in the world where two Nobel peace laureates – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu - lived on the same street.

Soweto's only hospital came courtesy of World War 2. The Royal Imperial Hospital, Baragwanath, was built in 1941 for recovering British and Commonwealth soldiers.