REGION D encompasses the whole of Soweto, where Orlando was the first township. Other long-established townships include Diepkloof, Dube, Meadowlands, Orlando East and Orlando West. There are also large informal settlements in the region.

It has major challenges, but it takes pride in its history as the main theatre for the struggle against apartheid. Many of its citizens, famous and unknown, played a major role in that struggle.

The dynamics of urban development were not taken into consideration when Soweto and other historically disadvantaged areas were created.

The task now is to tackle the resulting problems with determination and build on the strengths of the region, one of which is Soweto's growth as a major tourist attraction. It welcomes everyone with equal hospitality, whether they are presidents, pop stars or ordinary members of the public.

The irrepressible spirit of Soweto
Region D has a difficult task ahead of it, faced with the challenge of building what was once the vast black-labour dormitory of Johannesburg into a prosperous urban area - one in which all its residents and the whole country can take pride.

But precisely because of Soweto's history, and its central role in the larger history of South Africa, few places in the country are as determined to tackle the challenges of the future with such passion.

If the region is heir to poverty, a mass influx of migrants seeking work and a historical lack of decent urban planning, the scene is now set on a great deal of positive municipal and community activity. As before, it retains the irrepressible spirit of all Sowetans.