THE path marching schoolchildren took through Soweto on 16 June 1976 can be followed by Rea Vaya bus, which follows the trail on its F4 route.

Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world to have had two Nobel Peace Prize winners as residents – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

LOCALS who use the Rea Vaya bus are able to relive the events of 16 June 1976 every time they pass the Soweto landmarks.

Tourists should, however, be aware that the Rea Vaya buses do not operate on the 16 June public holiday.

Rea Vaya’s F4 route passes the internationally famous Vilakazi Street, for starters. It is the only street in the world to have had two Nobel Peace Prize winners as its residents – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses on this road.

The former is now a museum, called Mandela House, and a South African heritage site. The museum is open to the public on weekdays. Inside, the house contains photographs of a young Mandela, his children, other ANC stalwarts and his ex-wife. Memorabilia, including gifts he’s received from across the world, and honorary doctorates he’s received from international universities, are on show.

In front of the house, there is a sculpture of two bulls. The work is symbolic of the two influential leaders, who chose different routes to bring freedom from apartheid.

Vilakazi Street is also famous for being part of the route taken by marching schoolchildren on 16 June 1976, before their confrontation with police. The route snakes from Morris Isaacson High School in Mputhi Street, Jabavu, to the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Kumalo Street, Orlando West.

Colourful crafts on sale

Hector Pieterson Museum

Freedom

Remembering all who died in the struggle: the Hector Pieterson Memorial

• Bus ride to Vilakazi Street
• Neighbours tour Rea Vaya
• Foreigners tour Rea Vaya facilities
• See Jozi sights with Rea Vaya