Not many streets have been home to a Nobel Laureateand even fewer have been home to two. Yet, Vilakazi Street in the heart of bustling Soweto has been exactly that, housing both South African leaders Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. And this claim to fame is paying dividends for current residentshelping transform the area into a thriving business community.
Here, visitors from all over the world walk past traditional dancers, hawkers and waiting taxis to visit the building that was Mandela’s home when he walked free from prison on Robben Island in 1990. With its restaurants, boutiques and bars, this buzzing boulevard is no ordinary residential road.
Surviving legacy
For local entrepreneur Sakhumzi Maqubela, it was words spoken by the iconic freedom fighter that inspired him to open a restaurant in the area — and provide employment for people in his community.
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Boutiques, restaurants and museums which tell the story of Soweto’s apartheid struggle form the economic back bone of Vilakazi Street, but informal traders are also keeping busy. Brightly colored trinkets and souvenirs draw in tourists and help to grow a smaller economy.
Their sales may be pennies for some, but it means international dreams for street performers like Eric Matshidiso and Thulo Medi.
“What we are willing is to see ourselves in overseas, promoting our music and dance,” says Matshidiso. “Maybe if we can go overseas we will get something that will put us up. So that people must recognize us.”
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