The new Soweto Theater is a symbol of Johannesburg's rejuvenation. The US$18 million project aims to bring world-class drama to the heart of the historically disadvantaged township on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
The new Soweto Theater is a symbol of Johannesburg's rejuvenation. The US$18 million project aims to bring world-class drama to the heart of the historically disadvantaged township on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/GettyImages
Laborers finish the paintwork on the newly inaugurated Soweto Theater, a powerful symbol of the Johannesburg's rebirth.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
Laborers finish the paintwork on the newly inaugurated Soweto Theater, a powerful symbol of the Johannesburg's rebirth.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/GettyImages
Johannesburg property developer Adam Levy talks to CNN's Nkepile Mabuse in his downtown apartment. Levy converted an office building into a hip apartment complex in an attempt to recreate the urban spaces he had encountered in New York, and breathe new life into the area.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
Johannesburg property developer Adam Levy talks to CNN's Nkepile Mabuse in his downtown apartment. Levy converted an office building into a hip apartment complex in an attempt to recreate the urban spaces he had encountered in New York, and breathe new life into the area.
CNN
Situated near the railway tracks, Levy's apartment has a great view of the city. But friends initially told him he was mad to move there, because of concerns about crime.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
Situated near the railway tracks, Levy's apartment has a great view of the city. But friends initially told him he was mad to move there, because of concerns about crime.
CNN
Johannesburg's history as a gold rush town has left the city with nuggets of grand architecture, including the art deco, Manhattan-inspired Astor Mansions, one of the city's first high-rise buildings, completed in 1932.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
Johannesburg's history as a gold rush town has left the city with nuggets of grand architecture, including the art deco, Manhattan-inspired Astor Mansions, one of the city's first high-rise buildings, completed in 1932.
PABALLO THEKISO/AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view of downtown Johannesburg, with the 269m Hillbrow Tower, Africa's tallest structure, in the background. The city center has been the site of intensive rejuvenation efforts following years of urban decay in the 1990s.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
An aerial view of downtown Johannesburg, with the 269m Hillbrow Tower, Africa's tallest structure, in the background. The city center has been the site of intensive rejuvenation efforts following years of urban decay in the 1990s.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images
A resident hangs out laundry in front of a new housing development in central Johannesburg, designed to rejuvenate the city's urban heart.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
A resident hangs out laundry in front of a new housing development in central Johannesburg, designed to rejuvenate the city's urban heart.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images
The inside of a derelict building facing renovation in central Johannesburg. When business deserted the city center in the 1990s, squatters took over. The buildings are gradually being reclaimed as companies return.
Johannesburg's rebirth —
The inside of a derelict building facing renovation in central Johannesburg. When business deserted the city center in the 1990s, squatters took over. The buildings are gradually being reclaimed as companies return.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images