Mandela House, Historical residence museum in Orlando, Soweto, South Africa
Mandela House is a small red-brick dwelling on Vilakazi Street containing four rooms arranged to display photographs, personal items, and objects from daily life. The modest structure shows how the family lived in this township home during the mid-20th century.
The house was occupied from 1946 to 1962 during a transformative period in South African history. After release from prison, the original resident returned briefly and spent time at the residence before moving to new locations.
The walls show bullet holes and burn marks from attacks during apartheid times, telling the story of danger and struggle that touched daily life here. These marks remain unrepaired, serving as a reminder of the violence that surrounded the residence.
The house is easy to reach and sits on a main street of the township. Visitors should allow time to move slowly through the small rooms and examine the personal belongings displayed throughout.
Among the displayed items is a world heavyweight boxing belt given to the original resident by a renowned boxer. This rare gift reflects the global recognition and connections that developed despite the isolation of the time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
