Remembering South Africa’s heart

With challenging Covid-19 and economic-related circumstances colouring everyday concerns – it is important to sit back, reflect, and remember the dawn of democracy in South Africa.

One of the ways the heart of South African democracy has been kept alive is through Sanctuary Mandela, which is the former home of late South African president Nelson Mandela, in Houghton, transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant facility, for public use.

Judiet Barnes, marketing manager of the Thebe Tourism Group, which manages Sanctuary Mandela, explained that Sanctuary Mandela was a special haven celebrating Mandela. She said the hotel had been Mandela’s actual home from 1991 to 1999, during the time when important discussions around democracy were being held.

“Mandela and important statesmen met in the actual house, whereby they discussed matters which opened the way for South Africa to enter democracy,” she added.

She said the house had been renovated but care had been taken to keep crucial, beautiful, historic detail intact. “For example, the actual fireplace, where Mandela sat is still there. The master bedroom is also there, and it is now the hotel’s Mr President room. Those who have stayed in the room say they have experienced great calm, understanding a man of great stature shared this same space with them.”

She said the house was an asset of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and had been used as a storage facility for years. “They were initially going to restore it and open it as a museum, but then a decision was made to open it as an experiential tribute to Mandela, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the humble daily life of the former president.”

Mandela’s personal cook of 22 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, is on site to cook for visitors, and has helped to put together the menu. Residents can visit the facility to have lunch, for example, at the restaurant, and to eat as the former president did.

“People come in with an open mind, expecting the facility to be very clinical, and are surprised to find a place which is warm and homely. Here, they gain an understanding of Mandela, the man, and not just Mandela, the president.”

Details: www.sanctuarymandela.com

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