Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

Ansteys

Table of Contents

About Ansteys

Part of the Art Deco Òtop twentyÓ series of plaques

Address

59 Joubert Street
2003

Inscription

Designed in 1935 by Emley & Williamson for Norman Anstey, founder of the elegant department store of that name, which occupied the first four floors. Two apartment wings soar another twelve storeys with magnificent views of the City. Cecil Williams, actor, playwright and member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, lived here. Nelson mandela was disguised as his driver when captured on 5 August 1962.

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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