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Urban tribute to a universal icon
Nelson Mandela Square
The Nelson Mandela statue on Nelson Mandela Square.
© Darling Lama Productions
Did you know?
The shoes on the Nelson Mandela statue are almost 1m in length.
Nelson Mandela Square, attached to Sandton City Shopping Mall, is a great place to enjoy Johannesburg's vibrant urban spaces. The Square consists of a wide variety of upmarket shops and restaurants, and the central piazza is a popular venue for alfresco dining. The iconic Nelson Mandela statue is a focal point of this outdoor square.
Nelson Mandela Square was previously known as Sandton Square, until the centre's 10th birthday celebrations and the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela statue on 31 March 2004 to coincide with 10 years of democracy in South Africa.
The statue of Nelson Mandela was created by local artists Jacob Maponyane and Kobus Hattingh and stands 6m tall. The statue was commissioned in July 2002 and completed in 2004.
At the time of its unveiling, the statue received mixed reactions from all quarters – some loved it, some hated it and some thought it was just a little over the top. Certainly, the proportions of this statue cannot be ignored: not only does the statue stand at 6m; it also measures 2.3m wide and has a shoulder width of 1.7m!
Visitors to Nelson Mandela Square can't help but have themselves photographed next to the imposing statue of Madiba and it certainly provides a talking point for the many diners who sit on the square to enjoy a meal under African skies.
The square is also a great place for those with kids and the water fountains provide hours of fun and amusement for the little ones. For adults in need of some retail therapy, there over 300 shops in the vicinity and for a spot of local culture the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square is a good place to be.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Nelson Mandela Square
Corner 5th and Maude Streets
Sandton
Tel: +27 (0) 217 6000
Email: info@nelsonmandelasquare.co.za
How to get here
Nelson Mandela Square is situated at the corner of 5th and Maude streets, just off Rivonia Road in Sandton.
What will it cost
Entrance is free.
Length of stay
Spend a day at Nelson Mandela Square – enjoy a meal on the piazza and indulge in some retail therapy.
Where to stay
The Michaelangelo Hotel overlooks the square and offers 5 star accommodation.