Sanctuary Mandela: A Place of Reflection

I grew up in the former Transkei and had the honour of meeting Madiba twice, once at Qunu and once aboard a Transkei Airways flight between Umtata (now Mthatha) and Johannesburg. I remember fondly his almost child-like delight at finding a ladybird sitting on his shoulder. “It means good luck, you know? A blessing,” he said to me.

An old school friend and distant relative of Madiba’s joined me for an overnight stay at Sanctuary Mandela. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Houghton, Johannesburg, this boutique haven was once Nelson Mandela’s private residence. I knew she would appreciate the poignant nods to the iconic man and the subtle references to the land, culture, and cuisine of our childhood.

The warm “welcome home” greeting we received upon arrival set the scene for a truly reflective experience. Sanctuary Mandela is more than just a hotel; it is a destination that gracefully pays homage to a complex, revered, yet ultimately human visionary. Sanctuary Mandela stands as a testament to the man, his ideals, and the nation he helped shape, but the words of welcome also remind us that we’re standing in his home, a home that was, for him, a place of comfort and peace, of the simple joys of family and good food.

The Tour

The guided tour, artfully delivered by one of the gifted storytellers, elaborates on the history of the man and the building.  We begin outside, next to the rose garden where Mandela would read his morning newspaper.

The façade of the house, left untouched, gives little away. He tells the story of how squatters took over the house, which was all but destroyed after decades of neglect. Photographs in the lobby show the state of the house before the back was knocked through and extended, creating a simple, light-filled space with a bar and restaurant on the ground floor and nine bedrooms arranged around a first-floor atrium.

The Art

A palpable sense of reverence fills the air. This is amplified by the carefully curated collection of art and artefacts that adorn the walls and pop up in unexpected places. Each piece tells a story, a silent conversation with the past. A collection of 16 powerful artworks by renowned artist John Meyer portrays Mandela’s life and unwavering spirit. The art evokes a deep emotional response, more so when my friend shares personal insights gleaned from her late father.

Meeting Rooms

The two boardrooms, built on the site of Madiba’s original study, offer more than just meeting spaces. The former occupants of these hallowed chambers often charted the course of a nation. This is where Mandela and his contemporaries made decisions that would echo through generations. The rooms retain the study’s original character, a tangible connection to the past, with framed letters of historical significance reminding us just where we find ourselves.

The Bedrooms

The nine bedrooms are each named after a moniker Madiba received during his 95 years of life. The largest room, “Mr President,” is where he slept during his presidency.  The smallest, “466/64”, represents his inmate number when he was imprisoned on Robben Island.

Insights Restaurant

Insights Restaurant offers a menu that is as much a tribute to Mandela’s legacy as it is a culinary delight. Chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, who once cooked for Mandela himself, helped shape the menu, bringing a touch of history to every plate. The emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients, transformed into dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated, a few inspired by Madiba’s favourites. It’s a celebration of South African flavours infused with the warmth and hospitality that Mandela was renowned for.

As my friend and I enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch while listening to Jazz tunes, we chat about the fact that Sanctuary Mandela is not a museum. Despite all the historic weight this special place holds, it is a place of simple luxury, quiet reflection, humour, and humility, and perhaps, with its Jazz Sundays, a place of celebration.

Visit www.sanctuarymandela.com to book a stay, an event or meeting, or a table for Jazz Sundays.

For those who want to immerse themselves further in the archive of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s life, times, works, and writings, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory is within walking distance of Sanctuary Mandela.