South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande has paid a visit to the historic KwaMagogo Centre, where he was taken on a guided tour of the facility.
The tour was attended by the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, as well as other government officials and delegates from both countries.
“Our plea is that those associated with the history of this house should not turn it into something it never was. We must preserve its origins. While it may require some refurbishment, the house should remain a monument to one of the most important relationships between South Africa and Eswatini in support of the struggle of the people of Southern Africa,” said Ndzimande.
The visit marked a significant moment in the long-standing relationship between the country and the Republic of South Africa, highlighting a shared history rooted in the struggle for freedom and regional solidarity.
Number 43 Trelawney Park, also known as KwaMagogo, stands as a symbol of that history.
During the apartheid era, the house known as KwaMagogo, meaning ‘Grandmother’s Place’, located at Trelawney Park, served as a safe haven for members of the African National Congress and its military wing Umkhonto weSizwe.
The house belonged to Rebecca Makgomo Masilela, who courageously opened her home to ANC members living in exile. Her actions played a vital role in supporting the liberation movement and advancing the broader struggle against apartheid in Southern Africa.
Today, the centre serves as a living monument to the sacrifices made by individuals who risked their lives in pursuit of freedom, while also strengthening the historical ties between Eswatini and South Africa.
During the tour, Nzimande emphasised the importance of preserving the historical integrity of the KwaMagogo house, cautioning against altering its original significance.
“Our plea is that those associated with the history of this house should not turn it into something it never was. We must preserve its origins. While it may require some refurbishment, the house should remain a monument to one of the most important relationships between South Africa and Eswatini in support of the struggle of the people of Southern Africa,” he said.
The minister said he was deeply moved by the courage displayed by the late Masilela, whom he described as a remarkable woman whose compassion extended beyond her family to embrace those fighting for freedom.
“What struck me most was how brave she must have been. Like many grandmothers, she possessed immense love and care, but she was also, in many ways, a grandmother to the South African people. She cared about humanity and protected those who sought refuge under her roof,” he said.
Nzimande noted that Masilela’s actions were particularly courageous given the dangers posed by the apartheid regime, which frequently carried out cross-border operations targeting liberation fighters and their supporters.
“The apartheid government had a habit of crossing borders to assassinate those involved in the struggle, as well as those who assisted them. For her to continue providing shelter and support under such circumstances shows the extraordinary bravery she possessed,” he said.
The minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the historic site, revealing that he had long heard about the renowned KwaMagogo house.
“I am delighted to have been here today. I have heard so much about the KwaMagogo house and I am pleased that I have finally had the opportunity to set foot here and witness this important historical site for myself,” he said.
He also commended Masilela’s children and grandchildren for preserving the house and ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.
“I would like to thank the children and grandchildren of Rebecca Masilela for taking care of this house, maintaining it in good condition and preserving it as a monument of our shared history,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nzimande was presented with a copy of a book documenting the rich history of the house, as well as a KwaMagogo-branded T-shirt, in recognition of his visit to the historic landmark.
Following yesterday’s tour, the minister is scheduled to travel to the University of Eswatini Kwaluseni Campus today, where he will deliver a keynote address at the official launch of the Eswatini National Science Month 2026, a programme aimed at promoting science, technology and innovation across the country.
