By Mabuyane Mabuza
Isidingo, one of South Africa’s best-produced soap operas, used to be a firm favourite of mine. Its ending mirrored parts of my own life, but that is a story for another day. The show was set in Westonaria, a small town west of Johannesburg, and what I loved most was how it reflected everyday South African life.
In the storyline, Benjamin le Roux, a sharp young businessman with a mischievous streak, would often travel to Johannesburg for meetings and stay overnight rather than drive back late. The trip is only about an hour or so, but sometimes that late- night drive feels longer than it should.
I often find myself doing exactly what young Benjamin did. It is not always ideal to head back home after a full day of meetings in the big city. I am sure my fellow small- town Gautengers understand.
Our annual Xploreza Table of Influence was hosted at 57 On Stiglingh in Rivonia, a charming property that doubles as a guest house and event venue. Chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, who served as President Mandela’s private chef for 22 years, and I stayed there for a few days leading up to the event.
Age has a way of making one particular about certain comforts. I have developed a deep affection for my own bed. I prefer it, unapologetically. So for any place to make me feel at home, it needs to offer something special.
First Impressions
Tucked into a quiet, leafy pocket of Rivonia, 57 On Stiglingh understands what the modern traveller truly needs. Ease. Comfort. A subtle sense of belonging that turns a short stay into a proper exhale.
As you drive into the property, you are greeted by an imposing manor house that immediately creates a sense of calm. Before you even step inside, the garden welcomes you with quiet charm and birdsong.
From the outside, the ten-room guest house appears modest, with old-world character. Step into any room, however, and you immediately sense warmth. It feels like a home rather than a hotel. Each room carries its own personality and style, catering to different tastes and needs.
The ever-smiling and warm property manager, Shedrack Mkhwanazi, tells me they have regular guests who book extended and repeat stays because they have found a genuine home away from home. I can understand why. I have started doing the same.
Many people who travel to Johannesburg for business, especially those who do not live here, are not necessarily looking for towering Sandton hotels. Often, they simply want to cook a meal, order takeaway, read a book or watch Netflix in peace.
Location
Here, location is more than convenience. It feels like a quiet luxury.
Just a short 30-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, the property offers seamless arrival and departure for business travellers, visiting families and globetrotters who value efficiency. The nearby Gautrain station makes travelling between Sandton, Pretoria and the airport refreshingly simple, without the stress of heavy traffic.
Sandton itself, Johannesburg’s glittering commercial hub, is within easy reach. Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City are close enough for shopping, dining or business meetings. Whether you are closing a deal or indulging in a little retail therapy, you are well positioned.
For those driving, proximity to the N1 and M1 highways opens up the rest of Johannesburg with ease, from Midrand to Rosebank, from Pretoria to the southern suburbs. Accessibility here is clearly intentional.
Still, what defines 57 On Stiglingh is not only where it is, but how it feels. It balances Sandton’s energy with Rivonia’s calm.
Living at your own pace
As a self-catering guest house, it offers something beautifully simple: autonomy. You keep your own rhythm. Early morning coffee in your pyjamas. A late-night snack without the formality of room service. A proper kitchen space that allows you to cook, or simply reheat your favourite takeaway from nearby restaurants. There is comfort in that freedom.
For the business traveller stepping out of a long day of meetings, it is a soft landing. For families visiting loved ones, it becomes a gathering space. For the solo traveller who values privacy, it offers sanctuary without feeling clinical or impersonal.
It feels lived in. Warm. Thoughtfully considered.
In a city as energetic as Jozi, finding a place where you can retreat without disconnecting completely is rare. 57 On Stiglingh achieves that balance. Close enough to everything that matters, yet tucked away enough to let you rest.
Amenities include reliable WiFi, a revamped lapa for relaxed braais, a swimming pool and fully equipped kitchens for those who enjoy preparing homely meals. There are no water interruptions, thanks to a borehole on the property.
It is, quite simply, a home away from home.
Thinking of your own home away from home in Rivonia?
