Statue commemorating Nelson Mandela

Opened on the 4th of August 2012 by President Jacob Zuma and marking the 50th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s ‘long walk to freedom. The sculpture, comprises of 50 steel columns between 6.5 and 9.5 metres tall where, from a distance of 35 meters, a picture of Nelson Mandela appears as a floating face. Step either side of the focal point, and the image is lost. The steel columns look like the bars of his prison and the whole concept represents a wonderful vision by the artist and architects.

The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture and in effect the image portrayed appears to hover over the exact position on the road where Mandela was met by armed police at the time of his arrest.

A short walk from the car park and museum just outside Howick, it is hoped that the new statue will attract both local and foreign tourists to learn more about Mandella and the struggle in South Africa.