Johannesburg’s Hundred Faces

This is a guest post by Nazeli K. Kyuregyan.

Few African cities display such striking contrasts as Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. Idyllic residential areas, shining malls and business districts thrive next to vast townships with no running water and electricity. The discovery of gold in 1886 transformed the small town into today’s multi-faced metropolis. As the city is trying to come to terms with its past, while struggling with the problems of the present, you’ll find it so full of life, brimming with energy and optimism, and always ready to embrace you.

Getting ready…

Johannesburg offers a huge variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels with own casinos and malls to backpacker hostels and bed&breakfasts. Check the location of the hotel before booking, as some try to attract visitors with low rates but are situated in bad areas. Crime is a problem in Jo’burg but don’t let others scare you and convince you it’s not worth visiting. Intelligent tourists get informed beforehand on the areas to avoid, ask advice from the locals, find a good guide and have an unforgettable time in Jozi just the same.

“Gimme hope Jo’anna, gimme hope Jo’anna…”

The famous 1980s song by Eddy Grant tells the darkest page of South African history. The many apartheid sites in ‘Jo’anna’ show its saddest face you absolutely need to see so as to understand its present.

You will never forget your visit to the Apartheid Museum. As you enter, you are given a card with either ‘Black’ or ‘White’ written on it, which allows you to access the correct entrance according to your race. Inside you’ll see documentaries, hear the demonstrators shout, touch the barbed wire, see the photographs of Mandela’s life, read his famous reconciliation speech at the 1995 Rugby World Cup held in Jo’burg and won by the South African team.

Another important place is the Constitution Hill. It is home to the South African Constitutional Court build with the bricks of the prison that once stood there, where both Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela were detained.

Welcome to Egoli!

Once you have seen the difficult past of Egoli (Jo’burg’s Zulu name) it’s time to explore it’s exciting present.

You will stop feeling like a foreigner the moment you meet its multicoloured society. Have a walk in the lively Melville suburb – favourite spot of the Jo’burg youth. On 7^th Street you can experience the colours, tastes and aromas of delicious Jozi cuisine – a fusion of east, west, north and south.  A real cultural experience is the African dinner served in traditional pottery in a rustic décor with live African music.

Explore the Rosebank Flea Market and the African Craft Market for art and souvenirs. If the weather is very hot, find shelter in a cool mall for some chocolate soufflé (it’s delicious! forget dieting in Jo’burg!) and then admire the contemporary African artists at the beautiful MuseuMAfricA.

Sports lovers should pass by the amazing “Calabash” stadium, the official home of the FIFA World Cup 2010. Moreover, to honour the proud rugby superpower, you must get the Springbroks’ green-and-gold T-shirt.

See Jozi’s green face by getting lost between the roses and African medicine herbs at Jo’burg’s Botanic Garden. Make new friends at the Zoo Lake, a popular park where you can stop for a pick-nick, feed the ducks and try some canoeing.

In the end, do not leave Johannesburg without having had your picture taken with Nelson Mandela. Your photo with the six-metre statue dominating Mandela Square will always remind you of this unique city of many names, many faces, and many stories yet to tell.

About the Author:

Nazeli K. Kyuregyan is currently studying Publishing and Journalism at the University of Verona in Italy. Her multicultural background and passion for travelling have convinced her that the discovery of new cultures is an essential key to understanding ourselves.

Image 1 from Flickr’s Creative Commons, images 2 and 3 supplied by guest author from The Africa Image Library.