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HHouse 8115, Vilakazi Street, Orlando, Soweto, has become one of the most famous addresses in South Africa.
It is the house where former South African President Nelson Mandela lived, on and off, for more than 14 years.
In his landmark autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela describes coming back here in 1990 upon his release after 27 years in prison: 'That night I returned with Winnie [his then-wife] to No. 8115 in Orlando West. It was only then that I knew in my heart I had left prison. For me No. 8115 was the centre point of my world, the place marked with an X in my mental geography.'
Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world to have housed 2 Nobel laureates − the other being Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
In 1961, Nelson Mandela left No. 8115 for life on the run as a political activist. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1962.
From April 2008 to March 2009, the Mandela House was closed for repairs and restoration. Now, No. 8115 has been entrenched as one of South Africa’s most significant heritage sites because it tells the tale, in sound, film, interpretive panels and guided tours, of the Mandela family during the apartheid era and beyond.
You can still walk around the interior of the house as before, but now there is a highly narrative element to your experience, which is enhanced by the addition of a visitor centre. Staff at Mandela House allow 20 visitors in at a time for ease of access.
The Mandela House is managed by the Soweto Heritage Trust, which was formed in 1997 with then-President Nelson Mandela as its founder.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Mandela House
Tel: +27 (0)11 936 4244
Email: info@mandelahouse.com
How to get here
From Johannesburg's northern suburbs, take the N1 South, pass the Gordon Avenue off ramp, take the Maraisburg Road off ramp and turn left into Maraisburg Road. Travel approximately 2,5km up Maraisburg Road, pass the Newclare Cemetery on your left, turn right into Commando Road and keep on this road until you reach the Soweto Highway (Engen garage on the right-hand side). Turn right onto the Soweto Highway, then turn left onto Klipspruit Valley Road. Pass Phela Street and a sign to Pieterson Museum. At the next intersection turn right into Kumalo Street, take the third road left into Vilakazi Steet and Mandela House is on the right, on the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane streets. Or take a taxi...
Best time to visit
Soweto is a year-round destination.
Things to do
Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, Regina Mundi Church, and the Apartheid Museum.
What to pack
Sunblock, water, camera, cash for the day.
Where to stay
Soweto has a wide variety of home stays plus the Soweto Hotel and Johannesburg has all the big-city accommodation choices.
What to eat
Try the African dishes at one or more of the various restaurants around Soweto.
Related links
- Mandela House
- Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Soweto Tours
- Nelson Mandela Foundation
- Apartheid Museum
- Visit Joburg
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