Meadowlands, located in Gauteng Province, South Africa, is a Suburb of Soweto. It was founded in the early 1950's during the Apartheid era to accommodate Black residents who were forcibly removed from Areas like: Sophiatown and the Western Native Townships.
The forced removals began on February 10, 1955, and continued until the mid-1960's when most of the new Township had been completed. Early residents were segregated into various zones based, on their ethnic backgrounds. The Johannesburg City Council, provided additional land in Diepkloof, when space became scarce in Meadowlands.
By 1968, the Natives Resettlement Board had relocated thousands of black families to both Meadowlands and Diepkloof. The move away from Sophiatown inspired the protest song: “Meadowlands”. This song gained popularity, both within and outside South Africa.

In 1973, the administration of the Area transitioned to the name: "Diepmeadow". By 1978, a Diepmeadows Town Council was formed to manage the two Townships independently of 'Soweto Council123'. The Natives Resettlement Act (Act No 19 of 1954) led to the establishment of Meadowlands, also known as: "Ndofaya". 

The forced removals began on February 10, 1955, and continued until the mid-1960's when most of the new Township had been completed. Early residents were segregated into different zones based on their ethnic backgrounds, and the Johannesburg City Council provided additional Land, in Diepkloof when space became scarce in Meadowlands. By 1968, the Natives Resettlement Board had relocated Thousands of black families to both Meadowlands and Diepkloof. The move away from Sophiatown inspired the protest song: “Meadowlands”. This later gained popularity, both within and outside South Africa. In 1973, the administration of the Area transitioned to: 'Diepmeadow'. By 1978, a Diepmeadows Town Council was formed to manage the two Townships independently of Soweto Council123. Notable South Africans from Meadowlands include: Sindi Dlathu, Vusi Kunene, Thandiswa Mazwai, Kgalema Motlanthe, Rapulana Seiphemo, Sibusiso Vilakazi, and Jacob Matlala.


 

Geolocation
-26° 12' 10.8", 27° 51' 50.4"