If there were Soweto residents who viewed the expedition as patronizing, none said so.

Still, many Soweto residents, Mr. Mandela among them, take pride in their township's survival against such odds.

"They come right into your house and help themselves to your daughters," said Boy Mahlaba, a middle-aged Soweto resident.

A Soweto resident who said he had "suffered" under apartheid asked de Klerk whether there should be indemnity and amnesty or retribution.

Some Soweto residents counter that the white police liked working in the township precisely because they could push blacks around.

He attributed the decline to "outstanding cooperation" from Soweto residents who supported the curfew.

More than a thousand excited Soweto residents were milling around their home.

Queuing in the sun Soweto residents wait to cast their votes.

PUTCO has for many years provided bus commuter services to Soweto residents.

A Soweto resident said the only recourse in a mugging was to report the crime later at the police station.