Central Western Jabavu is a historic township area in Soweto, Johannesburg, established in 1944 as an emergency housing camp following a massive squatter movement led by James Mpanza. Named after the prominent educator and politician Davidson Don Tengo (D.D.T.) Jabavu, the area evolved from makeshift shacks into a permanent part of Soweto, later seeing modern upgrades like the White City Jabavu Development Project.
1.Places of Significance
- Located inside Oppenheimer Park, this unique site features striking, mythical African sculptures and traditional buildings created in 1974 by the late visionary healer and artist Credo Mutwa.
- Oppenheimer Tower
- A historic 49-step tower built by industrialist Ernest Oppenheimer, offering panoramic views over the rooftops of Soweto.
- Address: Region D, Zone 3, Mphuti Street, Central Western Jabavu, Soweto.
- Contact: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo at +27 11 938 1820.
Morris Isaacson High School is one of South Africa’s most historically significant public institutions. Located in Central Western Jabavu, Soweto, the school is globally recognized as the primary catalyst and epicenter of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Beyond its political legacy, it has a long-standing history of producing Soweto’s professional, academic, and political elite.
- Sarafina! Filming: In 1992, the school served as the primary filming location for the iconic musical drama film Sarafina!, starring Leleti Khumalo and Whoopi Goldberg, capturing the school’s real-life spirit of student resistance.
Morris Isaacson High School Contact Information
- Address: 1622S Kadebe Street, Central Western Jabavu, Soweto, 1868.
- Contact Number: +27 11 930 2389.
2.Where to Eat & Entertainment
- A vibrant, highly rated local restaurant and hangout spot offering a fusion of hipster cafe favorites, gourmet burgers, vegan options, and a quirky Alpine-themed bar.
- Address: 1345 Kadebe Street (Maketha Shopping Centre, 2nd Floor), Jabavu, Soweto.
- Contact: +27 10 023 6110.
3.Sports & Recreational Amenities
The Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre is a vital historical and recreational anchor in Central Western Jabavu. Originally initiated in 1977 by Arthur Ashe himself—the first Black man to win Wimbledon—the facility was established as a beacon of sports development amidst the restrictions of apartheid. Following extensive multi-million rand restorations, the facility serves as a major hub for youth development, regional tournaments, and community sports.
- Facility: A prominent 16-court tennis venue featuring a modern clubhouse, training amenities, and resident coaching programs powered by the Soweto Tennis Association.
- Address: 3137 Diokane Street (also accessible via Mphuti Street), Central Western Jabavu, Soweto, 1868.
- Contact Number: +27 11 982 6997 or +27 76 653 9580.
- Currently undergoing major modern redevelopments alongside multi-sport facilities and youth centers to boost local athletics.
- Jabavu Swimming Pool
- A popular community aquatic facility for local recreation and swimming programs.
- Address: 71 Central Street, Jabavu, Soweto.
- Contact: +27 11 932 3403.
4.Where to Sleep
- Formal accommodation within Central Western Jabavu is mostly limited to local community-run B&Bs and township guesthouses. Visitors typically book well-reviewed boutique guest lodges in adjacent historic parts of Soweto such as Orlando West or Dube (e.g., Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers or local AirbnB.