Browsing: Visit Gauteng

Soweto is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising with a four-day programme designed not only to honour a defining moment in South African history, but also to create economic opportunities for local businesses, tourism operators and young entrepreneurs. The initiative, called 76 Hours in Soweto, will take place from 13 to 16 June 2026 and is expected to attract visitors from across Gauteng, South Africa and beyond. Organisers say the programme aims to demonstrate how heritage tourism can support community development, job creation and local economic growth while preserving the legacy of the youth who marched in 1976.

Fifty years after the Soweto Uprising changed the course of South African history, thousands of visitors are expected to visit the sites where students marched, protested and lost their lives on 16 June 1976. The anniversary comes as South Africa commemorates Youth Month under the national theme, “Finishing What Was Started”, reflecting on the legacy of the youth who challenged apartheid and the challenges facing young people today. For Gauteng residents and visitors, the June 16 Trail offers a chance to walk through one of the country’s most significant historical routes while supporting local tourism and township businesses.

South Africa’s tourism sector could become one of the country’s strongest economic recovery drivers if government, investors and industry stakeholders work together to unlock tourism growth, strengthen infrastructure and create opportunities for young people. That was one of the key messages shared by Tourism Director General Victor Tharage during a recent episode of Gauteng Life, where he discussed the future of the visitor economy, tourism investment and Gauteng’s strategic importance.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban on Tuesday, placing tourism, township economies and continental travel growth at the centre of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. The event, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, has brought together tourism leaders, investors, buyers and government representatives from across Africa and international markets.