Nelson Mandela is my hero and I love, respect and admire him dearly! As South Africans, we ALL owe our freedom to his compassion, vision and sense of humanity.

Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela worked tirelessly for a free and democratic society. He possessed that “Madiba Magic” and even in his recent passing at the age of 95, he once again united a nation in their mass outpouring grief and personal reflection on an extraordinary life lived by the greatest South African, possibly greatest Humanitarian the world has known.

Today, Cape Town is a culturally diverse city in which anyone can go anywhere. Complete your visit to the Mother City with an educational tour of the monuments, statues, landmarks and museums that celebrate his legacy.

 

Did you know?

This great man was actually born Rolihlahla Mandela and only given the name Nelson in primary school by his teacher Miss Mdingane, in accordance with the custom to give all school children “Christian” names.
He is fondly referred to as “Tata” & “Madiba”, as he is the father of a democratic South Africa and “Madiba” being his clan name.

 

Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the Civic Centre

At the Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the Cape Town Civic Centre you learn more about the life of Madiba. From his childhood through to his elderly years. It’s a tribute to the former freedom fighter, to inspire people all over the world.
Runs daily from 10 am to 6pm, until July 2014, free entrance.

 

Robben Island

From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder to the newly democratic South Africa of the price paid for freedom. We offer a full day Township & Robben Island tour which will give you a greater understanding of what South Africa has been through in recent years.

 

Mandela House Museum (Groot Drakenstein correctional facility, Victor Verster Prison)

This where Mandela spent his final months of imprisonment. A bronze statue of Mandela shows him with a raised fist – a well recognised gesture of defiance. If you book a Private Cape Winelands tour, we can combine a tour of the prison with your wine tastings and a gourmet lunch in Franschoek, known as South Africa’s food & wine capital.

 

Cape Town City Hall

On February 11 1990, only hours after his release from prison, Nelson Mandela made his first public speech from the balcony of the Cape Town City Hall. Built in 1905, the large Edwardian building is located on the Grand Parade, with fixtures and fittings imported from Europe. You will pass this famous landmark on a City tour.

 

Nobel Square

Standing in the form of a crescent are four sculptures of the Nobel Peace prize laureates, Albert Lithuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. Each individual’s preferred quotations are engraved, in their chosen languages, in front of the sculptures. The Peace and Democracy sculpture, also found on the Nobel Square, is a narrative work which acknowledges the contribution of women and children to the attainment of peace in South Africa. The square is located on the south side of the Victoria & Alfred hotel in the V&A Waterfront.

 

Mandela Rhodes Place

The Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa offers visitors a timeline, which chronicles the life of Mandela in 14 distinct sections. The basement theatre supper club, the Rainbow Room, features a documentary of his life, while the Atrium boasts a wire art statue of Nelson Mandela, entitled “First Step to Freedom”. There is an innovative mosaic made from Rubrik’s Cubes which form an abstract portrait of Nelson Mandela. Built by Jan Du Plessis, the artwork was completed for the third annual Ubuntu Festival in 2011.

 

Parliament

As South African leader between 1994 and 1999, Nelson Mandela spent many years presiding over Parliament. During his term, members of the chambers hammered out the 1996 constitution, the representation of women increased dramatically and laws that serve as the framework of this country’s democracy were passed. Today, the public is welcome to come inside and observe the floor where Mandela made historic speeches, like the 100 Day speech.
Tours can be arranged into the government building from Monday to Friday between 9am and 12pm. Booking ahead is essential; the tours are free of charge.

If you wish to donate to a great charity, visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation website here.