Must-see cultural attractions include the traditional and modern
Tourism Update highlights not-to-be missed cultural attractions, as suggested by trade stakeholders.
A good starting point for an exploration of South Africa’s multi-cultures, and one that gets the vote of Laura Vercuil of Johannesburg Tourism, is the Origins Centre on the campus of Wits University in Johannesburg. Tracing an 80 000-year journey into the past, it highlights the earliest art and culture inspirations on the continent, as well as an exploration of San beliefs.
“When talking cultural attractions,” saysGaongalelwe Tiro, GTA’s Manager: Communications, “Lesedi Cultural Village in Broederstroom immediately comes to mind. It gives visitors an insight into the diverse cultures of the people of South Africa. The attraction is within an hour’s drive of Johannesburg.” Lesedi showcases the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele traditional ways of life.
But, as he further points out, modern, urban culture finds expression through cuisine, fashion and music. “Therefore, to take in the culture of the people Gauteng, one needs to traverse its streets and interact with them directly. Interacting with locals in Vilakazi Street, eating an authentically South African meal at a restaurant in Maboneng or visiting a nightspot in Mamelodi all help to immerse oneself in the culture of the people of Gauteng.”
