The home that once hosted the likes of Naomi Campbell, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jackson and was home to apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and his family has since been dilapidated and abandoned with peeling walls, grass sky high and blocked drainage. It has been a concern to many South African citizens. Brothers Collen and Cecil Mashawana, through their foundation have collaborated with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, in restoring the Mandela home in Houghton, Johannesburg.

ABANDONED

Although the Mandela resident on 13th Avenue has been converted to an upmarket boutique hotel. The resident home on 12th Avenue Houghton where Mandela spent his later years has been abandoned and falling apart and was last occupied by some of his grandchildren; Ndaba, Mbuso, and Andile. They have since vacated the home following controversy with the Nelson Mandela Trust and disconnection of power supply by the municipal office due to unpaid bills and levies. The home, including the garden, has been unkept.

VIEWING THE LOCATION

The Collen Mashawana Foundation has intervened and will be rescuing the family. Without going into detail about whether they plan to pay the outstanding levies, Collen and Lesufi, after meeting with the Mandela family took a walk through the property to see the amount of work that will be needed to restore the home. Collen says he was deeply honoured to join the Mandela family and Lesufi at the historic residence of former President Nelson Mandela. "This visit was more than a meeting, it was a heartfelt journey to honour Madiba's legacy of peace, unity and reconciliation. The purpose of the visit was to assess the required renovations to restore the home to its former glory," he says. "As we walked through the rooms, each corner whispered stories of resilience and hope and it became clear that our mission was not just about restoration but about rekindling the spirit of his ideals," he adds. "I commend the grandchildren of former President Nelson Mandela for their generous gesture in partnering with the Collen Mashawana Foundation to protect and preserve Madiba's Legacy. The restoration of this home to its former glory has now commenced."

COMMITTING TO A CAUSE

In partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, Collen says they are committing to restoring the home as a way of recognising it as their sacred duty to honour South Africa's rich heritage. "Our partnership is aligned with the Mandela family, and for me, safeguarding the Mandela legacy is a personal calling. Mandela has been a guiding light in my life, embodying strength and compassion," Collen adds. "As we pledge to restore his home, we also renew our dedication to live by his ideals, ensuring his legacy inspires future generations. Together we are committed to making this home a living testament to Mandela's enduring values."