By Palesa Matlala
• The heritage site has been stuck in legal limbo for over five years, with residents demanding urgent action from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
• Soweto Tourism chairperson Thato Mothopeng says the government is dishonouring Nelson Mandela’s memory by leaving the museum to rot.
The historic Mandela House Museum in Orlando West, Soweto, is falling apart while stuck in liquidation, leaving residents angry and tourists disappointed.
The heritage site, once a vibrant tourist attraction and a symbol of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, has been in limbo for more than five years. Community leaders say repeated appeals to the Gauteng government have been ignored across two administrations.
Soweto Tourism chairperson Thato Mothopeng accused the government of betraying the community and dishonouring Mandela’s memory.
“We are appalled by the Gauteng government’s continued silence and lack of action. The Mandela House Museum was never meant to become a legal and administrative footnote,” said Mothopeng.
He said the museum was created to preserve the country’s struggle history, boost local tourism, and provide economic opportunities for the community. Instead, it has been mismanaged and left under the control of liquidators.
“The community has been locked out of decision-making, and tourists are left with more questions than answers,” Mothopeng added.
The Soweto Tourism chairperson has demanded a full public update from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and an immediate plan to revive the museum.
Local leaders are also calling for national intervention, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise protecting Mandela’s legacy.
“This is not just a Soweto issue. The Mandela legacy belongs to the entire nation. It is time for the President to lead from the front and rescue this iconic site,” said Mothopeng.
The liquidation process is still pending in court.
Pictured above: Mandela House Museum
Image source: Facebook
