CapeTownMagazine.com

First Look: The Bronze Mandela Statue in the City Hall ...

For Moments of Joy
Unwrapping Cape Town with you.
Un-clicking the clique-iness
 
+27(0)72 350 2062
Cape Town & Surrounds
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
excitement@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
CapeTownMag

First Look: The Bronze Mandela Statue in the City Hall Balcony

Reconciliation, unity and healing were the topics of the day as the new Mandela statue was unveiled at the City Hall on 24 July 2018.

Latest update: 24 July 2018

A strong sense of pride was felt across the room as Archbishop Desmond Tutu began speaking on how former president Nelson Mandela was able to light up a room with his charismatic personality.

Tutu was speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the full-length bronze statue in honour of Mandela. It stands on the City Hall balcony where Mandela stood when he gave his first address as a free man on 11 February 1990. 

The sculpture of Nelson Mandela is also to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. 

Guests take selfies with the newly unveiled Mandela statue on the City Hall balcony

A TRIBUTE FROM TUTU

Tutu, who attended the ceremony with his daughter, focused on how Mandela's ability to bring forgiveness to a nation scarred and hurt by Apartheid, was what set him apart from his fellow leaders. 

A frail but energetic Tutu said he was proud to be present at the unveiling of the statue of Madiba as it paid tribute to the great character that he was. 

"The healing process for our nation continues. People don't understand the conditions we were living and working under (during the transition). Madiba came and switched on a light. He made it possible for us to sit together and talk," said Tutu.

Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille also gave a speech about the moment she arrived to hear Mandela speak in 1990. She was accompanied by her husband, and the pair were front row outside the City Hall as they excitedly waited for Mandela to appear.

"We didn't know what he looked like. He came out to address us and that was an 'aha' moment. When he used Winnie's (Madikizela Mandela) glasses to read because he had lost his, that was a moment that showed how human he was."

WATCH THE MOMENT THE STATUE WAS REVEALED

 

MEET THE ARTISTS

The moment the statue was unveiled, loud cheers could be heard from the crowd. Clad in a light blue suit with a pair of glasses in its hands, the sculpture was warmly received. 

The sculpture took three to four months to complete.

The artists who created the statue, Xhanti Mpakama and Barry Jackson said it was a privilege to be involved in the project.

"Looking at the sculpture, I feel we succeeded in interpreting that moment for us all," said Mpakama. 

Jackson added that he had watched the speech 28 years ago and being able to create the statue was a moment which he couldn't properly describe in words.

WATCH WHEN MANDELA GAVE HIS SPEECH AS A FREE MAN IN 1990


 

Want to see more of Mandela's memories? Take a look at our round-up of his special moments in Cape Town. Go on a tour of all the city landmarks and if you would like to see more footage of Madiba, watch it here.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and on your cellphone add capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go.

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!

Cape Town Events Calendar
November 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30

The Barracks accommodation city centre Cape Town accommodation special for a ...

20% off, free breakfast, access to rooftop pool

Trail's End Bike HotelTeam building, stylish conferencing & ...

Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End

Pear TreeThe hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Sushi calamari, miso sirloin & rice krispies milkshakes

mischu 2024Weekends are for mischu

You can get breakfast and coffee with the R99 brunch special

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Char'd Grill & Wine BarSpirit tastings and unique cuts at ...

Gin atomiser, brandy tastings and chef recommendations

Milk on the Beach 2024Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

Ramen by the sea, a build-your-own waffle bar & 5 more

GiveawaysTravel Tips