After the Soweto bike tour, we loaded back into the vans and headed to the Apartheid Museum. On the way to the museum, we had the opportunity to pass the FNB Stadium that holds around 100,000 people. This stadium is iconic from the 2010 soccer World Cup.

Arriving to the Apartheid Museum, we took a group photo outside of the entrance.

Upon entering the museum, an overwhelming sense of grief, history, and resilience immediately filled the atmosphere. As we moved forward, we encountered another entrance that separated the non-whites and whites, a stark reminder of the brutal racial divisions enforced during apartheid. This deliberate segregation was a powerful representation of the deep and systemic injustices of that time, forcing visitors to confront the harsh realities of racial oppression and the painful legacy it left on South Africa’s social fabric.

The exhibits within the museum did not allow photos to be taken, but the experience inside was like no other. All students were given an hour and a half to roam free throughout the museum. A section of the museum was dedicated to Nelson Mendela to honor his life and the impact he made on South Africa. A quote that stuck throughout this exhibit and was shown before entering the museum was, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. This quote was said by Nelson Mendela and showed true resilience throughout the exhibit. Nelson Mandela was a leader of the anti-apartheid movement and symbolized resistance to racial injustice. After serving 27 years in prison for his beliefs, Mendela was released and became president. This marked the peaceful end of the apartheid era and established a democratic, multiracial South Africa.

The museum was thoughtfully organized as a maze, guiding visitors through time with a powerful blend of videos, images, artifacts, and words that vividly portray the struggles of the apartheid era. As you progress, the exhibits transition, reflecting both the oppressive past and the courageous efforts to end this period of injustice. The museum honors the lives lost during this battle with dim lighting and emotional short films, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection. Walking through its halls, a deep sense of somberness settles over visitors, with all who are present silently acknowledging and respecting the profound stories shared.

Once all students finished their walks through the museum, we all met up at the restaurant just outside. We then loaded the vans and returned to the hotel. This marked the end of activities for our first day. To finish off our first full day in Johannesburg everyone went to eat at Bull Run. This restaurant is connected to the hotel and has great food options of meats, burgers, and pasta. After a long day of bike riding and walking students made sure to order plenty of food, some even ordered two steaks to eat!

With our tummies full we all slowly became induced in a food coma. Taking our leftovers with, we departed to our rooms to get some rest for the next day.

Blog by Yaritza Frias