Explore Johannesburg in June
Johannesburg in June is characterized by bright, cloudless skies. Although it is one of the city’s coldest months, the sun warms the air quickly, with thermometers often climbing close to 20 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. Consequently, Jo’burg becomes surprisingly pleasant in winter, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities in its many neighborhoods. However, remember to pack warm jumpers and socks for the evenings!
The student-led 1976 Soweto Uprising, which occurred on 16 June, forever altered the South African sociopolitical landscape and stirred the movement leading to the end of apartheid. Today, the 16th of June is marked as Youth Day, a public holiday in South Africa, making June an ideal time to immerse yourself in Jo’burg’s rich historical heritage. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding Youth Day commemoration events throughout the month.
Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and the June 16 Memorial Acre
The Hector Pieterson Museum, located in Soweto’s Orlando West neighborhood, serves as Jo’burg’s most prominent memorial to the 1976 Soweto Uprising. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the broader context of the Bantu education system and its impact on South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Five kilometers away from the Hector Pieterson Museum is the less-known June 16 Memorial Acre, situated at Morris Isaacson High School, where the student marches began. This monument and its adjoining museum provide striking visual documentation of the events of 16 June 1976.
Check out the Alexandra Heritage Centre
The 1976 uprising began in Soweto but rapidly spread to other townships in Johannesburg. Alexandra Township, the oldest township in Jo’burg, played a significant role in the uprising and is an underappreciated tourist destination.
Visit the remarkable Alexandra Heritage Centre, which opened in late 2018, to learn more about the culture and fight for democracy in Alexandra. Tour guide Jeff Malaudzi of Malaudzi Alexandra Tours offers fantastic cycling tours detailing Alexandra’s complex history.
Catch a Rugby Match
Rugby holds legendary status in South Africa, its importance underscored by the 2009 film Invictus. The Super Rugby season, which includes teams from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Japan, runs from February to July. June presents a fantastic opportunity to catch a Lions (Jo’burg’s Super Rugby team) match at the iconic Ellis Park Stadium. Lions home games are scheduled for 1 June and 8 June 2019.
Dance at Fete de la Musique
Fete de la Musique ranks among the city’s most popular music festivals, drawing even larger crowds due to its free admission. Held annually in Newtown’s downtown precinct, the Fete always showcases top local artists alongside international headliners, often from Francophone Africa. The 2019 Fete is planned for Saturday, 8 June.
Visit an Art Gallery
Johannesburg’s vibrant art gallery scene remains a rewarding experience year-round. On the first Thursday of each month, galleries in the Rosebank and Braamfontein art districts stay open late and frequently hold exhibition openings featuring complimentary food and wine. Some top galleries worth visiting include the Wits Art Museum, David Krut, Goodman Gallery, CIRCA, and Everard Read. June’s First Thursday occurs on the evening of 6 June 2019.
