The Nelson Mandela Museum

The Nelson Mandela Museum at the Bhunga Building in Mthatha chronicles the life of South Africa’s iconic former president, his struggle for democracy and the end of the apartheid regime. Today, the white pillared building is open between 9am and 4pm, Saturday to Friday, for the public to learn about this infamous figure’s journey.

The Nelson Mandela Museum history

Nelson Mandela was the leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement who was imprisoned by the government for 27 years on charges of treason and went on to become the country’s president. He is famed for his role in ending apartheid and fighting for human rights.

Opened in 2013, the historic Bhunga building, loosely translated as ‘council’ or ‘caucus’, was outfitted with an exhibition following Mandela’s journey. The large white building with three wings itself was used as a meeting place for local tribes and authorities for years. At one point, the impressive site was used as the site of the United Transkei Territories General Council, the seat of the Transkei Legislative Assembly and the seat of the Republic of Transkei.

The Nelson Mandela Museum today

There are actually three locations of the Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape, of which the Bhunga Building forms one. At the Bhunga Building, visitors can learn about Nelson Mandela’s past in his own words through extracts of his autobiography, ‘A Long Walk to Freedom’. The museum also houses gifts given to Nelson Mandela when he was president.

From the Bhunga Building, tours then go onto the other two sites of the Nelson Mandela Museum: Mvezo, where Mandela was born and Qunu, where he spent his childhood.

Getting to The Nelson Mandela Museum

Best reached via car, the Nelson Mandela Museum is situated along the N2 highway in central Mthatha within South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. There is plenty of on-street parking nearby.