City of Gold and Transformation

After concluding our African Safari, we journeyed to Johannesburg, where we stayed briefly before returning to the Serenade of the Seas. Johannesburg, a city with a rich and complex history, traces its origins back to 1886 when gold was discovered in the region. This discovery sparked a gold rush, drawing prospectors and settlers from across the globe. As the gold mining industry thrived, Johannesburg rapidly evolved from a humble mining camp into a vibrant inland city, ultimately becoming the largest in South Africa. With a population exceeding 6 million and an unemployment rate of 34%, the city faces significant challenges.

Upon our arrival, we were shocked by the sight of countless members of the black population walking along the highways, making their way to work. We learned that a single job in Johannesburg often supports up to 16 people, highlighting the stark economic disparities in the city. This was especially surprising when we learned how much gold mining has contributed significantly to the country's GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. Diamonds have also played a notable role in South Africa's economy since the country is home to some of the world's largest diamond mines. Yet, the average monthly income of around $1,000 or less renders transportation to and from work unaffordable for many, forcing them to undertake long and arduous walks. The influx of people from neighboring countries, such as Zimbabwe, further exacerbates the situation, underscoring the urgent need for job creation and economic development initiatives to address the growing challenges faced by Johannesburg's population.

Johannesburg's history is intricately linked to South Africa's struggle against apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination that lasted from 1948 to 1994. During this period, the city was divided along racial lines, with the white minority enjoying privileges while the black majority faced oppression and limited opportunities.

Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary and later the first black President of South Africa, spent much of his early career in Johannesburg as an activist and lawyer fighting against racial injustice. The reverence and respect for this leader was apparent throughout our travels in this part of the world.

We had lunch in the town of Soweto, an acronym for South Western Townships, which is a historically significant area located on the outskirts of Johannesburg. It emerged as a township during the apartheid era, housing the city's black population who were forcibly relocated from central Johannesburg. Soweto became a center of resistance against apartheid, with the Soweto Uprising of 1976 being a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom.

The squaller of homes in the area shows that even though Johannesburg has come a long way since the discovery of gold, transforming into a diverse and dynamic city, it still grapples with the legacies of its past and contemporary challenges.

While having lunch at a neighborhood restaurant in Soweto, we were serenaded by a group of talented young men singing in beautiful harmony, hoping to earn some money from the patrons. Their song selection included a melodic rendition of a popular tune about African wildlife.

It sounded just like the original from the 1960s by The Tokens .. you can hear it by clicking here:
https://youtu.be/OQlByoPdG6c?feature=shared