Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

Jonas Gwangwa House

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812 Herby Mdingi Street, Orlando East, Soweto.
September 2020

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JONAS GWANGWA Jazz legend Jonas Gwangwa, born 1937 in Orlando East, received his first trombone from Father Huddleston in 1954. He led the Amandla Cultural Ensemble of the ANC travelling worldwide for 10 years. Gwangwa was a 1988 two-time Oscar Nominee for the film "Cry Freedom" starring Denzel Washington. He is a recipient of the meritorious award of the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, and is the composer of the National Coat of Arms Song commissioned by President Thabo Mbeki.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

Explore Joburg

A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.

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