Orlando East was the very first township developed by the Johannesburg municipality, starting in 1933. Schools and churches flourished along Mooki Street together with the famous football stadium, home to Orlando Pirates. Nearby stands the first Black high school built by the government. Orlando High School, known as The Rock, which bred a long list of big achievers including a State President and Anglican Archbishop. The first public library built for black people in South Africa, Orlando Library, includes the special collection of Dr A.B Xuma. Orlando Community Hall where Robert Sobukwe founded the PAC. Moving up into the suburb we explore first the James Mpanza House where the Sofasonke movement was born from the dire need for residential land. Next comes the Seth Mazibuko House which honours one of the organisers of the 16th June March in 1976. Then the home of the famous singer Letta Mbulu, who made her name in the USA and Caribbean singing with Harry Belafonte and performing in a number of movies.

There will be places where we stretch our legs and have a chance to walk along the streets. We visit the James Sofasonke Museum with the original house and the lions which guard the stoep.

Email Eira to book: mail@joburgheritage.co.za

• Guides: Flo Bird, Tshenolo Mokhele, and David Forrest
• Meet at: Sunnyside Park Hotel, Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown at 09h00
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Price: R250.00 for members and R350.00 for non-members