Nelson Mandela's house in Houghton, Johannesburg, will be refurbished and turned into a five-star hotel for tourists.

This was announced yesterday by the Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive Sello Hatang. Former president Thabo Mbeki and Struggle stalwart George Bizos were in attendance for the sod-turning ceremony at the icon's residence.

Hatang said: "Today, on his birthday, we mark the inauguration of the property refurbishment project to make The Mandela Presidential Centre a reality. Nelson Mandela was a traveller in his later life, who made a difference in the lives of those he met and those he travelled with.

"He had an impact on the places he touched and left a part of his beloved land wherever he went. May we continue to be the travellers who make a difference."

The construction of the house will occur within three to four months and will be led by a team of architects, engineers and heritage consulting experts to ensure that the original design and workmanship stay in place.

"The desired outcome is for the house to be respected; this iconic home will be improved but we will keep the original aura," said CEO of Thebe Tourism Group Jerry Mabena.

Xoliswa Ndoyiya, who was Mandela's chef for 22 years, said she was taught many values and lessons and also witnessed many historic moments in the house.

"It was a house of discipline. I was a worker but I became a child of the house," she said.

Ndoyiya said she was happy the house would be revived and taken care of and that she was hopeful it would still have the essence of a home.

"I want people to share meals and experience a real home," she said.

The running of The Mandela Presidential Centre will be a partnership between the Thebe Tourism Group and the award-winning black female-owned hotel operator Miarestate Hotel and Spar.