Soweto Tourism has expressed frustration about Gauteng’s “ongoing failure” to resolve the liquidation of the Mandela House Museum in Vilakazi Street, Soweto.
The liquidation process, initiated more than five years ago, remains unresolved despite being brought to the attention of the Gauteng Premier’s Office during the fifth administration.
In a statement issued by Soweto Tourism, the Gauteng government was criticised for allowing a heritage site to remain in administrative limbo. The Mandela House Museum was intended to preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela and to serve as a driver of education, tourism and community upliftment in Soweto.
“The museum has not delivered on its intended mandate nor has it lived up to the objectives of the Soweto Heritage Trust,” the statement reads. The trust, founded by Nelson Mandela, was set up to manage the museum and related heritage development initiatives.
No clarity on the museum’s future
Speaking to Tourism Update, Thato Mothopeng, Chairperson of Soweto Tourism, said the liquidation was initiated between 2014 and 2017 by a former Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture employee who was acting as a trustee of the Soweto Heritage Trust.
“The trust was liquidated and is now managed by liquidators,” said Mothopeng. “We are not sure what the outcome will be. That will be determined by the courts. However, we have submitted to the Premier’s Office to rescind the liquidation as they claim the application was unauthorised.”
Despite the uncertainty, Mothopeng confirmed that the museum remains operational. “The museum continues to service the market with high standards, thanks to the staff and continued support from inbound operators. For that, we thank them for protecting our country’s heritage.”
Call for intervention
The statement also calls for intervention by the President of South Africa, citing the national significance of Mandela’s legacy and the need for decisive leadership at the highest level. Civil society organisations, heritage preservation bodies and the Office of the Public Protector are urged to investigate and assist with legal processes to secure the museum’s future.
