Late Mandela’s house neglected?

HOUGHTON – Six years later after the death of Nelson Mandela, tourists find his former home scattered with litter and untrimmed grass. Who is responsible?

Naidine Sibanda

January 9, 2020

Unkept hedges cover the walls of the late Madiba's former home. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

A Houghton resident Max Katz raised concerns about the Nelson Mandela house in Houghton which appears to be neglected. Katz said bus loads of tourists, including those from America, were stopping to take pictures at the house and the sight was just unpleasant to behold.

“Someone needs to mow the grass, collect the rubbish and present a better image of how we treat the memory of one of the greatest statesmen of all time, Nelson Mandela,” suggested Katz.

Bottles and banana peels thrown onto the late icon’s lawn outside the home. *Photo: Naidine Sibanda*

According to media reports, Nelson Mandela’s last moments were spent at this particular home, before former president Jacob Zuma confirmed his passing on 5 December 2013.

Some takeaway containers on the plants outside the late Madiba’s home as shown by Max Katz. *Photo: Naidine Sibanda*

One will find spaced plants with stones of farewell messages to Madiba around them outside the yard. However, one will also find litter in the form of papers, trash cans and takeaway containers around the residence.

One of the plants outside the late Nelson Mandela’s house with stones of farewell messages. *Photo: Naidine Sibanda*

The Rosebank Killarney Gazette contacted the Nelson Mandela Foundation who acknowledged receipt of the email but did not respond for three weeks until the time of publishing.