National Congress's 1985 Kabwe congress in Zambia to make South Africa ungovernable. As the state forbade public gatherings, church buildings like Regina Mundi were sometimes used for political gatherings. In 1995, Soweto became part of the Southern Metropolitan Transitional Local Council, and in 2002, was incorporated into the City of Johannesburg. A series of bombings occurred in 2002. They are believed to be the work of the Boeremag, a right-wing extremist group, damaged buildings and railway lines, and killed one person. In 2022, 15 people were killed in a mass shooting at a bar. Demographics Soweto's population is predominantly black and the most common first language is Zulu. Census 2011 Area: Population: 1,271,628: Households: 355,331: Census 2001 Area: Population: 858,644: Households: 237,567: Cityscape Landmarks Soweto landmarks include: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Diepkloof Freedom Towers Mandela House Orlando Towers Regina Mundi, Rockville SAAF 1723, a decommissioned Avro Shackleton of the South African Air Force is on static display on the roof of Vic's Viking Garage, a service station on the Golden Highway Soweto Wall of Fame Tutu House Vilakazi Street Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown Climate Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as subtropical highland (Cwb). Transport The suburb was not historically allowed to create employment centres within the area, so almost all of its residents are commuters to other parts of the city. Rail Metrorail operates commuter trains between Soweto and central Johannesburg. Soweto train stations are at Naledi, Merafe, Inhlazane, Ikwezi, Dube, Phefeni, Phomolong, Mzimhlophe, New Canada, Mlamlankunzi, Orlando, Nancefield, Kliptown, Tshiawelo and Midway. Road The N1 Highway skirts the eastern boundary of Soweto. There is efficient road access for many parts of the region along busy highways to the CBD and Roodepoort, but commuters are largely reliant on trains and taxis. The N12 (named the Moroka Bypass) forms the southern border of Soweto, separating it from Lenasia. A new section of the N17 has been built, connecting Soweto with Nasrec as a four-lane dual carriageway. The M70, also known as the Soweto Highway, links Soweto with central Johannesburg via Nasrec and Booysens. This road is multi lane, passes next to Soccer City in Nasrec and has dedicated taxiway lanes from Soweto eastwards to Booysens and Johannesburg Central. A major thoroughfare through the south-eastern part of Soweto (Eldorado Park) is the R553 Golden Highway. It provides access to the N1, N12 and M1 highways. Minibus taxis are a