From streets, to awards, museums, schools and even ancient woodpeckers, new species of spiders and tiny nuclear particles; a host of things have been named after South Africa’s legendary ex-president and freedom fighter – Nelson “Madiba” Mandela. There are hundreds upon thousands of tributes and no doubt there will be many more to come that pay homage to Mandela. These are just a few of my favourites:
The Paravanda Nelson Mandela is a stunning orchid which was named Mandela after his visit to Singapore’s National Botanical Gardens.
In 2003 Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Bridge was completed linking Braamfontein to the Johannesburg City Centre.
Image Source: “Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg” by Earth Hour Global
In 2008 the the sixth star-studded 46664 concert was held as part of Madiba’s 90th birthday celebrations.
Image Source: “Mandela90” by Paul Williams
The Mandela’s Gold strelitzia was originally named Kirstenbosch Gold before its renaming in 1996. This rare plant has been carefully hand-pollinated to build up the species.
Image Source: “Mandela’s Gold” by Marc Eschenlohr
At Santon’s Nelson Mandela Square a towering statue of Madiba looks over the number of exclusive restaurants, shops and hotels found here.
Image Source: “Nelson Mandela Square” by Marc Smith
This new-found species of sea slug, named after Mandela, was found on South Africa’s Atlantic coastline.
Image Source: “Mandelia Mirocornata Closeup” by Seascapeza
Nelson Mandela Bay refers to the coastline of Port Elizabeth and surrounds and is great for family-friendly holidays in the sun!
Image Source: “Nelson Mandela Bay” by Flowcomm
More photoblogs: Faces of Africa, Johannesburg: then and now, or 10 amazing photos of animal camouflage.
