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Stuff from Johannesburg

The human spirit: A lesson in determination and courage from a medical student | MyJHB.co.za

Johannesburg in the news:

  1. The human spirit: A lesson in determination and courage from a medical student: Despite being rejected 32 times by nine institutions of higher learning, Bianca Vermeulen maintained her determination and focus, and today she is a second-year medical student. – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  2. SA Medical Research Council: Underground market alcohol can be lethal: Liquor brands never seen before are being illegally sold in the country without passing any of the specified liquor standards. – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  3. The curious incident of the second-hand bookshop in lockdown: The Covid-19 lockdown wrote the end of the story for many businesses, but for second-hand bookstores it was the start of a promising new chapter. A friend of mine who doesn’t consider himself a … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  4. South Africa reports over 700 COVID deaths in 24 hours: South Africa reported 755 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to 34,334, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced late Tuesday. Mkhize said 13,105 new … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  5. A line has been drawn on racism, a precedent has been set — for Australia as well as for other teams, including India: A line has been drawn on racism, a precedent has been set — for Australia as well as for other teams, including India … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews

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Have you tried: Visiting Port Elizabeth?

Did you know this about Johannesburg? While Johannesburg is also known as the City of Gold, or ‘eGoli’ because of its beginnings as a gold-mining town, it is known fondly to locals by the shortened ‘Joburg’, or now more popularly as ‘Jozi’.

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The Socio-Political Crucible of Soweto

You cannot understand Johannesburg without understanding Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships). Originally established as a “labor dormitory” to house black miners away from the white city center, Soweto grew into a sprawling metropolis of over 1.3 million people and became the epicenter of the struggle against Apartheid.

The township is home to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was also the site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools. The police response and the subsequent death of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson catalyzed international condemnation of the Apartheid regime. Today, Soweto is a vibrant cultural hub, blending historical landmarks like the Orlando Towers (now used for bungee jumping) with a booming tourism industry and a sophisticated middle class. It represents the city’s resilience—a place born from segregation that transformed into a symbol of liberation and modern South African identity.