Getting to know Jozi #MeetSouthAfrica

Immediately after spending 2 weeks in Berlin, it was time to fly to Johannesburg for the #MeetSouthAfrica campaign.

They say, “It’s Jozi, that Joburg is affectionately known as.. ”  

I say, “Very nice to meet you, Jozi!” 

And there’s no better nor faster way, to get a feel for the local scene, than by taking part in an Instawalk with the local Instagrammers of a city. After breakfast at the Parktonian hotel, we headed out for Soweto. On the way, we passed the First National Bank Stadium or simply FNB Stadium made famous during the World Cup Final in 2010. This stadium is located in Nasrec, bordering the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.

FNB Stadium

Meeting the local Instagrammers was really a cool idea. In total, there were about 70 of us. We got to exchange contacts and share notes and tips on how to really get the most out of street photography. The crowd was a friendly bunch and I really had so much fun on the Instawalk. Our starting point was the Hector Pietersen Memorial just up the road from Vilakazi Street. There was tons to see and photograph, and the folks in the area were rather accommodating and happy to have their picture taken. It was just your average, lazy Saturday morning, with people going about their daily routine. Here are some highlights from the Instawalk around Orlando West, Soweto.

Uphill battle

Master Contortionist… give us a dime for our efforts

I feel a sneeze coming on…. not yet not yet! 

Madiba – the name of the clan of which Mandela is a member. A clan name is much more important than a surname as it refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended. Madiba was the name of a Thembu chief who ruled in the Transkei in the 18th century. It is considered very polite to use someone’s clan name.

Tata – in Xhosa, the language of the Madiba tribe, the word means “father”, but it is a term of endearment given to him by many South Africans regardless of their age.

Dalibhunga – the name he was given aged 16, after undergoing Xhosa initiation. It means “creator or founder of the council”. The correct use of this name when greeting Mandela was “Aaah! Dalibhunga”.

How will you remember Nelson Mandela?

Sporting the best hairdo on the block is hard work

An abandoned gas station, where cars come to die

Kiss me like you mean it! 

Enchanting graffiti … Of Elephants, and fairies 

 snakes and ladders meets twisters! 

spread love, not hate

Now I can say, I’ve been to Soweto

 Kids of Soweto and pretty murals

sharpest dresser on the block!

After the eye-opening Instawalk, we pass one of the most cool sites for Bungee Jumping, at Chaf Pozi. Orlando Towers is a unique vertical drop for adrenalin junkies, offering the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers! 

Another fantastic intro to #MeetSouthAfrica was a visit to Liliesleaf Farm in the suburb of Rivonia, Johannesburg. This place was the farm used secretly by African National Congress activists in the 1960s and was the location where many prominent African National Congress leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial.

I think if you’re every visiting Joburg, you need to drop by to Liliesleaf as it gives you a good foundation on the background information to South Africa’s journey to democracy and freedom from Apartheid. In the early 1960s, when Liliesleaf was the headquarters for covert, underground activities and a safe house for many leading figures of the liberation movement, debates on political and military policy and strategy were commonplace. People from diverse backgrounds but with a common vision met here to discuss South Africa’s emancipation from an oppressive apartheid regime.

The buildings have been restored to their earlier condition, and visual and audio-visual displays recreate the dramatic events leading up to the police raid, and the raid itself.

On 11 July 1963, security police raided the farm and captured 19 members of the underground, charging them with sabotage. They were meeting in the thatched room, and were stunned by the raid. The police found documents during the raid incriminating Mandela. As a result he was charged and brought to trial with the others. The trial, which ran from October 1963 to June 1964, culminated in the imposition of life sentences for eight of the accused.

This monument seen on the grounds of Liliesleaf was built in memory of those who took up the arm struggle to liberate the country from Apartheid

That night, dinner was hosted by Gauteng Tourism at Apprentice Penthouse in the Johannesburg CBD.

The reason why it’s named as such is because the Apprentice (local version) was shot in this particular penthouse. I just loved the incredibly awesome view overlooking Joburg CBD below.

The jazz tunes and open air balcony was the best place to have a couple of drinks and take in the spectacular view.

Well, what can I tell you.

If this was Jozi wooing me, then I was most definitely falling fast for her, no doubt about that!

This campaign is brought to you by the South African Tourism office and is supported and managed by iambassador. CCFoodTravel maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site as always.