Desmond Tutu House

Table of Contents

Address

Corner Vilakazi and Baqwa Street, Orlando West, Soweto
2013

Inscription

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, world renowned champion of human rights, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his decades of non- violent struggle for racial equality. In 1995, he was appointed by President Mandela to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This has been the family home of Desmond and Leah Tutu since 1975. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here, and it continues to be their Johannesburg residence. An addition to the house was designed by architect John Noero in 1990.

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.