Most expensive house in Soweto goes on sale
A SOWETO house, thought to be the most expensive to ever go on sale in the historic township, is on the market for R3-million.
The five-bedroomed home of the late Dr Johnny Mosendane boasts split-level reception rooms, five garages, fireplace, unusual barrel-vaulted ceiling, sky roofs, swimming pool and expansive gardens.
The property is situated on a 1 375sqm stand and is a landmark in Soweto.
The family home in Rockville was designed by renowned architects Michael Sutton and David Walker in 1979. It has won various architectural awards and was featured in a number of publications.
Nomusa Mosendane, 70, the widow of the late doctor who succumbed to cancer last year, said she was selling the house as it had become too big for her alone.
“I cry every day because I am going to miss that house and the memories we shared in it, but I am scared to live in it all by myself, ” Mosendane said.
“Last year in December people broke in and took almost everything in the house and vandalised my car. Luckily, I was not inside the house,” she added.
A two-roomed house, Mosendane told Sowetan, is all she needs. For now though, she lives in Fourways with her daughter.
“I miss the vibey streets of Soweto and the fun neighbourhood, where I currently stay I don ’ t even know my neighbours. But it is fine because I am at an age where I want quietness and safety. ”
Trish Luthuli of the Pam Golding Properties in Gauteng said the house is one of the most valuable properties to ever go on the residential property market in the area. “It is a most remarkable all-brick design, very much in the Michael Sutton mould, and there is certainly nothing comparable to it within the Soweto area, or indeed in Johannesburg.”
According to Luthuli, the average home in Soweto sells for approximately R300 000.
“But one can obtain a two-bedroomed home with a garden for approximately R750 000 in an area such as Meadowlands.”
Luthuli said more upmarket homes between R1.5-million to R2-million were also popular. “Many residents in this price bracket prefer the colourful community vibe of Soweto to that of Johannesburg ’ s residential suburbs,” Luthuli added.