Nannabhai House

The Nannabhai house in Sophiatown is one of the oldest surviving structures from the suburb’s historical landscape, built for Dr Nannabhai. It is a rare architectural remnant from a period when Sophiatown was a vibrant, multicultural community. Established in the early 20th Century, Sophiatown became a symbol of urban diversity and cultural dynamism in South Africa. However, its history is overshadowed by the forced removals of the 1950s under the apartheid regime, which sought to destroy the suburb’s identity and replace it with a whites-only area, renamed Triomf. The removals not only disrupted lives but also sought to erase the suburb’s cultural identity by demolishing homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Dr Nannabhai, believed to have been a general dealer, originally constructed the house as a residence for himself and his siblings. While primarily serving as a family home, the house also fulfilled several significant roles in the community, reflecting its multifunctional nature during a period of profound social and political challenges. Some rooms were utilized as a doctor’s consultation space, providing critical healthcare services to the residents of Sophiatown. This space likely served as a vital resource for treating minor injuries and addressing the healthcare needs of a community that faced systemic exclusion from adequate medical facilities.

Other parts of the house were used as holding cells, suggesting its role in maintaining order or addressing disputes. During the apartheid era, when tensions were high and law enforcement often acted against the interests of the local population, such spaces may have been used informally by the community itself to resolve conflicts or temporarily detain individuals. These cells underscore the house’s unique position within the neighbourhood, blending domestic life with community responsibilities.
Additionally, certain rooms functioned as a mortuary, a feature that highlights the house’s importance during times of loss. In an era when many families lacked access to formal funeral services, this space offered a dignified setting for preparing the deceased for burial. It would have been a place of solemnity, allowing families to grieve and honour their loved ones despite the hardships imposed by apartheid policies.

The survival of the Nannabhai house amidst the widespread destruction of Sophiatown during the forced removals of the 1950s raises intriguing possibilities. Its robust construction and use of durable materials may have contributed to its physical endurance. As one of the area’s older structures, it may have been deemed structurally sound or architecturally distinct, potentially sparing it from demolition. The house's association with Dr Nannabhai, a significant figure in the early history of Sophiatown, could have also lent it symbolic or historical value, influencing decisions to preserve it. Additionally, logistical, or strategic considerations during the redevelopment of Sophiatown into the whites-only suburb of Triomf may have played a role. The house’s perceived utility could have rendered it less critical for demolition or earmarked it for reuse.

In this context, the survival of the Nannabhai House is particularly an interesting part of history. It stands alongside only two other notable buildings from this period, the residence of Dr AB Xuma, built in 1940, and the Church of Christ the King, built in 1937 as rare architectural remnants from the vibrant Sophiatown of the pre-apartheid era. These structures are among the few that withstood the government's efforts to destroy the suburb’s rich cultural and historical landscape. The preservation of the Nannabhai house, alongside these other sites, underscores its exceptional status as a lasting symbol of the community’s resilience and the historical significance of Sophiatown’s diverse, multicultural past.

Through all of this, the house remained a home. Over time, Dr Nannabhai’s family grew within its walls, with children being raised there and subsequent generations continuing its legacy. While some descendants have passed away, others are still alive and now reside in Carletonville.

Megan Slabbert, the current occupant of the Nannabhai house in Sophiatown, has a deeply personal connection to the property, which her family purchased in 1973 when she was nine years old. Over the past five decades, the house has evolved from a historical structure to a vital space of familial life, reflecting both the individual and collective experiences of multiple generations. Throughout her life, Slabbert has marked important milestones within the house. It was here that she became engaged and married, and where she later raised her children, now aged 41 and 35. The house also became the setting for moments of profound loss, with Slabbert witnessing the passing of several close family members within its walls, including her biological father, stepfather, grandmother, and mother. These events, both joyous and sorrowful, reinforce the house’s role as a central space for the Slabbert family, providing continuity and connection across generations.

Megan Slabbert has left the house largely unmaintained. Her decision was motivated by concerns about security, as the house’s appearance of abandonment discourages criminal activity. This neglected exterior, combined with the house’s rich yet sombre history, has earned it the nickname “Ghost House.”