Mbali Zwane of Eyitha Tours leads tours through Sophiatown that follow the stories and lives of the musicians, writers, and activists who grew up in this community before its destruction in 1955.

Sophiatown, Sof'town, or Kofifi of the 1950s has been immortalised in countless literary and musical works. Then it was the epicentre of Joburg's jazz, politics, and literary scenes – a vibrant, multi-racial community that, while poor, was culturally rich beyond measure. In 1955 the neighbourhood was cruelly and brutally crushed by the apartheid authorities, who bulldozed the entire area and forced its residents to move to distant townships, each of which was segregated according to race. Only three of the original buildings from old Sophiatown remain – Christ the King Anglican Church, an orphanage, and the home of Dr Alfred Bitini (AB) Xuma (now Sophiatown The Mix, a community centre).

Learn about the icons who shaped Sophiatown: Dr Alfred Bitini Xuma, Father Trevor Huddleston, Dolly Rathebe, Can Themba, Thandi Klaasen, Miriam Makeba, Bloke Modisane, and Miriam Tlali.

Zwane takes you on a waking tour through Sophiatown as she shows you the main attractions today such as the Sophiatown Museum, Christ the Christ the King Anglican Church, Odin Cinema, the Heritage Tree in Bertha Street, and St Joseph's Home. Most movingly, you will also get the chance to meet some of the victims of the forced removals. “It was early in the morning right at 04:00. 2000 police entered our houses heavily armed and they demolished our homes,” recounts Ma Elizabeth, who you will meet on the tour. After the dawn of democracy she moved back. "I was born here and I will die here," she says.  

Zwane also offers theatre and social life tours, a five-hour Sophiatown to Soweto tour that traces the journey of the forcibly removed residents of Sophiatown to the Meadowlands area of Soweto, and the option of a hiking tour which takes place on Saturdays.

Contact Zwane for more information at +27 79 319 0578 or eyithatours@gmail.com.