Colloquially known as Egoli, Johannesburg is home to over six million people. There is much to experience in this city with its hidden gems and fabulous surprises. Within this vast city is one of Johannesburg’s top hidden gems – Sanctuary Mandela. Set in Nelson Mandela’s primary place of residence in the leafy-green suburb of Houghton, Johannesburg, Sanctuary Mandela includes elements of the home Nelson Mandela (also known as Madiba) lived in both before and during his presidency, where he hosted dignitaries from all walks of life and from all over the world.
Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with nine curated rooms and retreat spaces for reflection, healing, and thought-provoking experiences inspired by the life and times of Nelson Mandela.
Paying homage to Madiba’s depth of character and contemplative spirit, Sanctuary Mandela is surrounded by lush gardens and retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that pay tribute to the human rights activist. Every corner of the boutique hotel is envisaged to provide a combination of tranquillity, heritage, and mindful experiences.
As I stepped into Sanctuary Mandela that evening, I was immediately struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our group was greeted with a refreshing cocktail, setting the tone for a relaxing and enriching experience.
Tshego, one of the staff at the hotel, gave us a 25-minute tour of the boutique hotel. She was exceptional and very knowledgeable. Her passion for the history and significance of Sanctuary Mandela was evident as she took us through the building. We gained a deeper understanding of Nelson Mandela’s life, from his humble beginnings to his presidency.
The tour was an in-depth history class. As we moved from one corner of the property to another, several thoughts raced through my mind. What is it that makes a leader stand out not only among men, but also among his peers? Is it their vision or courage? Or perhaps the ability of the leader to lead where others fear to tread? It is all of these qualities and so much more that took Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on a life-changing journey from the small village of Mvezo, a rural area of the Transkei in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to being South Africa’s first democratically elected black president in 1994. This is indeed very inspiring!
One of the highlights of the tour was seeing Mandela’s personal room, which is in the same space and beautifully renovated with elements of his personal belongings. As a multifaceted man with many talents, skills, and passions, the nine rooms at Sanctuary Mandela are a reflection on the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, with each room dedicated to a part of the great man’s life, from his childhood, through to his time as an activist, prisoner, and ultimately, president and statesman.
It was fascinating to learn about Madiba’s daily life, including his culinary experiences.
Tshego’s exceptional guidance and the tranquil atmosphere made our visit a fascinating one. She said that in memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant at Sanctuary Mandela serves as a tribute to Madiba’s favourite dishes as previously prepared by his long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.
For more than 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya was Madiba’s personal and family chef, from his presidency to his retirement and until his passing. Born in Ezibeleni in the Eastern Cape (the same province Madiba hailed from), Xoliswa is also the author of Ukutya Kwasekhaya and Made With Love.
Soon after the tour, I was checked into my room – a Deluxe King Room uniquely named Rolihlahla.
The room is tastefully furnished with a comfortable, luxurious king-size bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. It also features an en-suite bathroom equipped with a deep soaking bath, shower facilities, and a double vanity for added convenience. It offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality.
I took a warm, relaxing bath and a quick shower thereafter. It’s time for dinner. I got dressed and joined other members of our group downstairs at the dinner table. Liyema, our waiter, introduced himself and ushered us the menu. The dinner is a three-course meal, and the menu itself was wrapped in a sealed envelope like one of Madiba’s letters from Robben Island. For my main meal, I tried out the Wild Mushroom ‘Samp’ Risotto – which is samp cooked in risotto style in a wild mushroom and saffron broth, topped with wild mushrooms, spring onion, and truffle oil.
The dinner service was impeccable, thanks to Liyema’s attentive care and the chef’s brilliant cooking skills. After a few glasses of wine at the dinner table, I withdrew upstairs to my room and lay in bed reflecting on everything I had learned earlier that evening.
I was particularly intrigued by the story behind the number 466/64, which I had not known before. The renovation of the house, built on top of the original structure used by Mandela, was also fascinating. Even the flowers in the garden held special meaning, adding another layer of depth to the tour. History is so beautiful.
The sleep in my eyes snatched me away from my thoughts and reflections. The bed was so comfortable that falling asleep felt like drifting on a cloud, slowly sinking into a soft embrace of tranquillity, and before I could blink, it was already morning.
The following morning, I stayed back in bed until about 9am, lazy and wondering if I could only spend more nights. Time spent at Sanctuary Mandela promises a sense of healing and reflection for all guests. It is an experience of true relaxation and convenience in an ever-busy city.
I eventually got off the bed, took a quick shower, dressed up, ready to check out, and started my day with a complimentary breakfast. The breakfast was on point!
Sanctuary Mandela was an unforgettable experience. The historic significance of the site, combined with Tshego’s expert guidance, made for a truly enriching experience.
And as I checked out of Sanctuary Mandela, saying good-bye to all the friendly staff with smiles pasted on their faces, my thoughts got hold of me. I reflected on my key take-away from the trip; a quote from Nelson Mandela himself that says: “Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace” – a quote that became a very relevant saying by Mandela when he personally met with senior figures of the apartheid regime, emphasising personal forgiveness and reconciliation.
I sat in my car, took a deep breath, and couldn’t help but agree that Sanctuary Mandela is indeed a place of reflection. I look forward to returning, especially to experience the Sunday jazz events.
