Gauteng govt to restore Mandela home
The family of struggle icon Nelson Mandela, pictured, are to become beneficiaries of a home makeover courtesy of the Gauteng government.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi announced on Monday that the province would meet the Mandela family to discuss the renovation of the Johannesburg home of the late statesman.
The house in 12th Avenue in Houghton has been abandoned after Mandela’s grandchildren moved out in 2020.
According to reports, residents in the vicinity of the house have complained about the dilapidated state of the property. The grass is overgrown, there is damage to the structure of the house and rubbish is piled up, they said. Lesufi said he was concerned about the poor state of the mansion.
The bulk of Mandela’s R46 million estate was left to his wife Graça Machel. The former president’s daughters also apparently received at least R3 million each.
The Mandela properties, including the Houghton home, are part of a family trust and can be used by all family members.
The house has hosted a number of high-profile international guests and is a tourist attraction.
“We do not want to interfere in the family affairs of Mandela. We really believe the house of our founding president can’t be left unattended in that fashion.
“We have now taken a decision to meet the family so that house can be restored to its original state,” Lesufi said.
Asked why the Gauteng government was bailing out the Mandela family, Lesufi’s spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said it was an important historical site.
“The provincial government is committed to restoring historical sites like the Walter Sisulu Square and the Mandela house. They are important to the history of the country and the province.”
Pamla was asked if the Gauteng government would continue to fund the upkeep of the house, considering it is the private property of the Mandelas. “It will depend on discussions between the family and the province,” he said.
Pamla declined to comment on whether a precedent was being set by the Gauteng government to renovate the private homes of struggle stalwarts and other icons.