Soweto evolves with tech

In Johannesburg (or Jozi), street lights work and are obeyed; the computerized system has cracked down on all errant motorist until they have all towed the line. I even commented to a friend that we need such a computerized system in Kenya, but we have to get rid of the thugs who carjack motorists at night before we can obey lights at night.

But a visit to Jozi is never complete without a visit to Soweto, which reminds many of the dark history of South Africa.

Soweto’s history dates back to the 1950’s. It was the origin of the 1976 student riots at the height of apartheid. The riots at Orlando West led to a major uprising against apartheid.

But Soweto has changed. Now, most houses are renovated, and hotels have sprung up near Nelson Mandela’s former house, and whites -- mainly tourists -- frequent the place.

More so, Soweto has embraced a sense of technology. The local restaurants, serving traditional food, are computerized and can not be compared to the middle-level service offered at my local restaurants.

The idea of new Soweto is best captured by Pearl Majora in her comparison of Soweto during her mother’s time in the 1950’s and the Soweto she has come to appreciate.

She has contributed a chapter in “Soweto inside out,” which is written by journalists -- black, white and mixed race -- who have experienced life in Soweto in different ways.

She summarizes:

“Now and then I hang out at my friend’s payphone shop in Mafolo where I can't help but overhear fellow migrant workers, usually from the Eastern Cape or Kwa Zulu Natal, running their homes by remote, love struck youngsters making love on the phone; and lovers breaking up….”