House of Martha Moipone Motlhakwana

Several factors play a significant role in the importance of Martha Motlhakwana’s house. This house is of social and historical value through being a memorable site which, when restored, could attract tourists. The intimate homely life of an old house such as Martha Motlhakwana’s could bring back something of the timelessness of certain aspects of the past. But the strongest reason for its protection and restoration is probably pride in provincial achievements and the drive to protect one’s heritage, which is an important factor in patriotism. The political meetings that happened in this house during the struggle years warrant the house being declared a heritage site. Furthermore, the following reasons are advanced for the significance of her house to be declared as a Grade II site:

The house played a significant role as a meeting place for the ANC members ahead of the 1952 Defiance Campaign in Bloemfontein;
Despite being a woman, Motlhakwana was instrumental in building the organs of the ANC in Bloemfontein, as well as the Free State at large. Therefore, her house as one of the legacies of Motlhakwana, deserves to be declared a provincial heritage site.