Notice No. 1845

4 March 2022

GG 46000

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture

By virtue of the powers vested in the South African Heritage Resources Agency, in terms of section 27(5) of the National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999), SAHRA hereby declares the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House situated on Erf 802 and portions of 803: Majwemasweu, Winnie Mandela (previously Brandfort) as a National Heritage Site

Statement of Significance

“Ms. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (Mother of the Nation) resided in this house for a period of approximately nine years (1977-1986) during her banishment by the apartheid regime, in their attempt to monitor and limit her political influence. The house is not only where she resided, but is a site that contributed significantly to the advancement of the liberation struggle. It is also a symbol of Ms. Madikizela-Mandela’s, and in turn, black South African’s resilience, against the apartheid regime. This banishment was meant to smother the voices of equality and freedom for all, however, instead through Ms. Madikizela-Mandela’s tenacity and resilience contributed greatly to lives of the more marginalized community of Brandfort and surrounding towns, through the clinic, local gardening collective, sewing club, daycare, orphanage and juvenile center for troubled youth that she initiated here. Her efforts established her as a respected political figure and community member.

The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela house in Brandfort was her metaphorical Robben Island. She was a political prisoner during her banishment, subjected to cruel conditions (the house had no basic services and Brandfort was an Afrikaner dominated town) and treatment (constant harassment and violence towards her) by the apartheid government, and like Robben Island her Brandfort house became a symbol of resilience and hope against an oppressive state.

In 2016, Madikizela-Mandela was recognized by the South African government with the award of the Silver Order of Luthuli for her contributions to the liberation struggle during the apartheid era. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a renowned social worker and activist considered by many black South Africans to be the “Mother of the Nation.” On April 2, 2018, she died at the age of 81 after a long illness. Her life and legacy were honoured with numerous memorial services throughout the country as well as a state funeral, held on April 14 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. "

Schedule

The demarcation of the site is as follows:

Co-ordinates:

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