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Johannesburg & Apartheid Museum

Johannesburg, also known as Jozi by the locals, is much more than its bad reputation. Because none of that is true! Choose a real African city, a prime example of the growth Africa is experiencing today. A city rich in history and tragedy.

The City of Johannesburg

Johannesburg, one of the larger cities in South Africa, has a notorious reputation: it’s said to be dangerous and not nearly as impressive as Cape Town. The bad kid on the block! But nothing could be further from the truth. ‘The Big Smoke’, Johannesburg is undoubtedly one of the most active and vibrant cities in Africa, offering a wealth of culture and history. Johannesburg is a city with international allure, home to hundreds of nationalities. It is a city of the wealthier class, and at the same time, the city of the poorest population in South Africa. Here, you can shop in luxury malls, visit the well-known township slum of Soweto, and learn more about the grim history at the Apartheid Museum.

 

The Apartheid Museum

Take, for instance, the Apartheid Museum. It starts with the impressive architecture of the building. It looks like a bunker, and everything in its design contributes to the oppressive feeling of what it must have been like to live during the apartheid era. At the ticket office, you’ll receive a ticket that indicates whether you are white or African, determining which entrance you should take. You enter the museum already with a sense of puzzling confusion, which only deepens as you explore. Through photos, videos, audio recordings, and a collection of artefacts, you journey back through time. You walk through the beginnings of apartheid, the revolution, and its aftermath. This museum doesn’t shy away from being blunt: the history of South Africa (and the Netherlands!) was harsh! After spending a few hours inside, you may feel a bit unsettled, a sensation that will contribute to mindful travel through South Africa.

 

The Hip Maboneng District

The Maboneng district is the creative epicentre where many trendy Africans dine and where the nightlife bubbles, fizzes, and pulses. Okay, yes... when you look up Maboneng, you'll likely come across the same hotspots. But that’s probably because this area is essentially just one street. In this industrial setting, you’ll find hidden trendy spots everywhere. From a breakfast café to a vintage store, and from a cocktail bar to an authentic cinema. So, if you land in South Africa, don’t bypass this amazing city by heading straight to a safari. Instead, take a day or two to experience everything it has to offer. “Jozi” is more than just a stopover!

 

Alright, back to Maboneng. This place is cool to visit any time, but if you’re there on a Sunday, you’ll truly hit the jackpot. Starting around noon, the streets of Maboneng fill up, the braais are lit, the beers are chilled, and the best African vibes fill the air. What immediately stands out are the stylish people who love to pose for photos. After all, for the Jozi crowd, this is one of the main Instagram spots in the city.

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