Home of Vesta Smith

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About Home of Vesta Smith

Developed in cooperation with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.

Address

5 Smith Street, Noordgesig
September 2020

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VESTA SMITH 1922-2013 Born at Robinson Deep, Vesta grew up in Vrededorp until her family was forced to move to Noordegesig, where she became known affectionately as Ma Vee. A courageous opponent of apartheid, she was not cowed by bannings, harassment and imprisonment. Present at the Congress of the People and the WomenÕs March to Pretoria, Vesta gave shelter to children evading arrest after the Soweto Uprising resulting in her being detained. A founder member of the UDF, she was awarded the Order of the Luthuli in Silver in 2008

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.