The Johannesburg home of struggle icon and former ANC deputy president Walter Sisulu and his wife, Albertina, has been put on the market for sale.
The two anti-apartheid struggle activists died peacefully in this home, which is located in the tranquil suburb of Linden, northern Joburg.
Walter passed away on May 5, 2003, at the age of 90 after a long illness. Albertina also took her final breath on the property at the age of 92, also after a long illness.
Pam Golding Properties is asking for R3.4-million for the historic home, which according to neighbours, could be converted into a museum because of its association with the revered freedom fighters.
Recently, the four-bedroom house, which is located not far from Cresta Mall, has been the residence of former minister of tourism Lindiwe Sisulu, who is the daughter of the departed icons.
According to the Pam Golding website, the house, which is nestled on a 1.494-square-metre stand, has a main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an air conditioner, built-in cupboards and carpeted floors.
It has two other bedrooms with built-in cupboards and carpeted floors.
It also has two bathrooms, one with a basin, a bath and tiled floors.
The second bathroom has two basins, a bath, a shower and tiled floors.
The pad’s dining room has a ceiling fan, patio, sliding doors and parquet floors, according to the website.
The website also says that the beautiful family home is not only offering a blend of charm and modern elegance but also has a welcoming reception area leading to a big lounge adorned with parquet flooring, opening to an entertainment area with a covered veranda and a beautiful view of an inviting swimming pool.
“The dining room and private seating area open onto a private outdoor space,” reads the website.
The house also has a spacious kitchen with ample cupboards, granite counter tops and a separate pantry.”
The house, according to the website, also has a guest cloakroom down the passage.
Pam Golding states that the property also has an external bedroom with its own bathroom, which offers versatility and is easily transformable into a charming cottage.
“The property also features an outside study, storage room, and domestic quarters set in a beautiful wrap-around garden and swimming pool. The garden is further enhanced by a fountain and gently flowing water.”
Sisulu spokesperson, Mphumzi Mdekazi, confirmed the house is being sold.
“She is selling because she can’t own too many properties/houses, as she has just bought a property in Houghton, to fit in the furniture she had both in Pretoria and Cape Town while she was in government. She is also in the process of buying property in Cape Town to be closer to Robben Island for obvious historical reasons,” he said.
Mdekazi said Sisulu also owns a property in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, and this is where the narrative of the family liberation struggle begins for her.
“Ngcobo is located in the Chris Hani Region. Both her parents owe their umbilical cords to this region. The region of Enoch Mgijima, Robert Rhesha, AB Xuma, Vuyisile Mini, Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto, Chris Hani, etc.
“This is where this historical narrative ought to start, and it is also where this perfect idea of a museum could be entertained if the ANC recognises the idea of the concerned neighbours or if the neighbours are really serious about their idea,” he said.
He added: “The neighbours should feel free to engage the ANC about their views and brilliant ideas on how the house could be preserved for the history they believe so much in.
“Both the parents of the former minister belonged to the ANC and the people of South Africa, especially those who were positively impacted by them,” Mdekazi said.
