Visiting Madiba

Near Qunu, South Africa
November 16th, 2008

Reading a tourist pamphlet gathered in the Clock Tower Mall in Cape Town I discovered plans for an African heritage route. Essentially the anti-apartheid leaders such as Mandela and Mbeki, as well as global leaders such as Desmond Tutu would be honoured through marking significant places and buildings. When reading aloud this information to Karel, he remarked that on route to Jo’burg on the N2 we could try and see Mr. Mandela’s house. 100% excited we formed our plan. We just knew that Madiba’s house was near Qunu and thought we could figure the rest as we went.

Seeing as we are in Africa, albeit the modern South Africa, there a few areas without much (if any) sign postage indicating places of interest and the N2 is one of them. Karel’s inner light bulb lit and as we were without much direction decided to stop at a local police station to ask for instruction.

We approached the front desk, which had a black man of shall we say ‘chief’ proportion, who looked at us with dread. As soon as we said we were merely looking for directions, not looking to complain or report any incidents of crime, his eyes lit up with a warm glow and his lips parted revealing the whitest of teeth. He joyfully gave us instructions and wished us well on our way.

Back in the car we returned on our pilgrimage. We drove past village huts and hourse all with very white washing drying on the lines. Noticing a modest, yet substantially larger, more modern house on the horizon we decided to investigate. Turning off the main road and heading up the gravel driveway we proceeded through an unmanned security gate. We then passed through another.

Finally almost in front of the house, a kind man dressed in a nicely pressed blue uniform stopped us and asked us what we were doing. Karel explained, “We are looking for Madiba’s house”. The security guard told us “You’ve found it and you’re not really supposed to be here”. Laughing together we apologized and asked if we could turn around in the yard. The guard approved. As we turned, our camera came out and we stole a few quick photos.

Mr Mandela’s house was as modest and warm as you would imagine the man himself to be. Hens were dotted around the grounds, and beautiful flowers and gardens surround the buildings. The next time we visit, we’ll have to dye our hair blonde, wear posh sunglasses and rent a Merc. Maybe then we could pass as A-list celebs who frequent Madiba’s guest house.