[1] Mandela donated the house to the Soweto Heritage Trust (of which he was the founder) on 1 September 1997, to be run as a museum.

It has bullet holes in the walls and the facade has scorch marks from attacks with Molotov cocktails.

[4] In 1999, Soweto was the 16th most popular place for tourists to South Africa to visit, and that was partly ascribed to the opening of Mandela House in December 1997.

[5] Mandela came back to the house after his release from prison in 1990, despite suggestions from government officials that he find a safer home.

A new visitor centre was commissioned, restoration work was authorised, a highly qualified curator was appointed, and re-training of staff was scheduled.