House of Dr. A.B. Xuma in Sophiatown - If walls could speak: The fascinating stories inside Dr. A.B. Xuma’s home

TThe suburb was one of the last places in Johannesburg where people of all races could live or do business together in the early decades of the 20^th century. It flourished, attracting entrepreneurs, lawyers, activists and teachers. Musicians, writers and artists were inspired by the mix of cultures and races that became characteristic of Sophiatown.

By the 1940s, this historic suburb was a living example of South Africa’s potential for a multicultural society. This potential was personified by the likes of Oliver Tambo, who taught at Sophiatown’s St Cyprian's School, the largest primary school in South Africa. It also inspired Gerard Sekoto, who captured the spirit of Sophiatown in his art, and journalists like Henry Nxumalo who worked for Drum magazine, a publication that was in some ways the barometer of the time.

But Sophiatown is perhaps best known for its jazz musicians: Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa and Miriam Makeba. They went on to become some of the most respected jazz musicians in the world.

Sophiatown's jazz musicians' artistic and political influence radiated from South Africa, reaching the African diaspora and beyond. It expressed the ideals of freedom and equality for which Sophiatown was famous. In doing so, it helped engage the world in the struggle against apartheid.

TTales of Empilweni (a place of life)         

Upon completion in 1935, Xuma’s house was named Empilweni (a place of life). Befitting its name, Empilweni also served as consulting rooms for Dr. Xuma’s medical practice. This access to medical care for the local community was housed in a separate wing from his residence.

Tales of the African National Congress (ANC)

As the seventh President-General of the ANC, Xuma often had visitors over to discuss policies and political agendas. Treated to the beauty of a traditional and high-quality interior, it’s no wonder a young Nelson Mandela was left in awe in 1943 when he (and his fellow comrades) paid Xuma a visit to propound a radical ANC Youth League manifesto and draft constitution to him.

In his autobiography, Mandela recalls having been impressed by Xuma’s house, which he describes as “grand”.

Tales of the last days of Sophiatown

In an effort to purge black South Africans from developed neighbourhoods, Sophiatown was earmarked for destruction under the apartheid government’s Group Areas Act in 1955. The people of Sophiatown resisted the removal, but over the next eight years, 65 000 residents were forced to relocate. Among them was Xuma, who - despite having been the Chairperson of the Western Areas Anti-Expropriation and Proper Housing Committee - was compelled to move to Dube, Soweto, with his wife in 1959. The area became a whites-only suburb called Triomf. However, Xuma’s house, built of red brick with a corrugated tin roof, remained. A big and significant part of Sophiatown remained.

Tales of a legacy

Xuma’s historic home was not only declared a national monument in 1998, but the following year it was formally given Heritage Site status.

Today, when visitors peruse this house (also called the Sophiatown Heritage and Cultural Museum, since 2008) they should listen out for the tales of all South Africans working towards excellence and a non-racial future.