Soweto

[ suh-wee-toh, -wey- ]

noun

1. a group of townships in northeastern South Africa, southwest of and administered by Johannesburg: constructed in the 1950s and early 1960s to provide housing and services for Black Africans. 26 sq. mi. (67 sq. km).

Soweto

/ -ˈweɪtəʊ; səˈwɛtəʊ /

noun

1. a contiguous group of Black African townships southwest of Johannesburg, South Africa: the largest purely Black African urban settlement in southern Africa: scene of riots (1976) following protests against the use of Afrikaans in schools for Black African children. Area: 62 sq km (24 sq miles). Pop: 858 649 (2001)

Soweto

1. Collective name for a group of townships inhabited by black Africans, located southwest of Johannesburg , South Africa .

Notes

Soweto was the site of severe racial violence before the dismantling of apartheid .

Word History and Origins

Origin of Soweto¹

C20: from so ( uth ) we ( st ) to ( wnship )

Example Sentences

Ms Adestahina has previously said she was born in the South African township of Soweto.

From BBC

In interviews Ms Adetshina said she was born in Soweto - the South African township next to Johannesburg - and grew up in Cape Town.

From BBC

She has said in interviews that she was born in Soweto - the township next to Johannesburg - and grew up in Cape Town.

From BBC

“In their desperation, I wonder what kind of choices they will make,” said Bhekindlela Cebekhulu, 40, a theater performer in Soweto.

From New York Times

“Can you believe, here I am and I’m still not sure who to vote for?” said Kedibone Makhubedu, 47, as she lined up outside of a community center in the township of Soweto.

From New York Times