The township at dawn: A quiet order in the morning rush

A mother reaches for her child’s hand as they walk near the Meadowlands police station in the pre-dawn dark on their way to school and work on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

As commuters waited for the morning bus from Meadowlands Soweto, a few teased a fellow passenger for not bringing a jacket on what looked to be a cold day. It was too late to turn back, they laughed it off and boarded together in good spirits on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Commuters sitting in a bus for the start of the workday on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

The Bree taxi rank is already bustling, street vendors line the pavements selling food and sweets, while commuters arriving from Soweto and other areas have been up since early morning, making the long journey into town to start their workday on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

By 07:15, the Bree taxi rank hums with activity. Vendors are in place, their tables piled with snacks and hot food, while waves of commuters from Soweto and beyond stream in — many already hours into their day — preparing to begin work on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Commuters waiting at the Bree taxi rank, which is already bustling as people make their way from Soweto and other areas to various workplaces on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla).

To get to work, many Soweto residents wake up as early as to begin a commute that can take hours. They often leave home very early and return very late, spending hours each day in transit on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

To get to work, many Soweto residents wake up as early to begin a commute that can take hours. They often leave home very early and return very late, spending hours each day in transit on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Commuters travel along the N1 highway in the early hours of the morning at 05:05 as they head to work on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

On 08 April 2025, many Soweto residents began their long commute before sunrise, spending hours in transit each day. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Before sunrise, a bus drives down New Canada Road, transporting commuters for the start of the workday on 08 April 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) DM