Follow the new Madiba-inspired route by ticking off 27 landmarks across South Africa. The full route and interactive map can be found at Madiba’s Journey.
Photoblog: Homage to Mandela
1. Robben Island, Cape Town
One of the route’s most iconic points. Take a guided tour with a former prison inmate, including the solitary confinement hut.
2. City Hall and Grand Parade, Cape Town
A magnificent, imposing civic building with mosaic floors and a marble staircase. Stand on the balcony where Mandela gave his first public address after his release from prison and enjoy the view of Cape Town’s main public square.
3. Nobel Peace Sculpture, V&A Waterfront
Bronze likenesses of SA greats Albert Luthuli, Madiba, Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk stand outside the Food Market (open Wednesday to Sunday).
4. The Mandela Rhodes Building, Cape Town
Home of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Not open to the public, but outside you can admire a piece of the Berlin Wall given to Mandela.
5. Parliament, Cape Town
Take a guided tour, observe debates or arrange to meet a politician of your choice.
6. Pollsmoor, Cape Town
Madiba was transferred from Robben Island to this prison in 1982. Not open to the public.
7. Drakenstein Correctional Centre, Paarl
Formerly Victor Verster, Madiba spent his last years of imprisonment here. Outside the prison, view Jean Doyle’s statue of Mandela, signature fist in the air. Also see the tiny room he slept in, which reminded him of his prison cell.
8. Nelson Mandela Voting Line Sculpture, Port Elizabeth
A metal cut-out of Madiba striking the iconic ‘Amandla!’ pose. To his right, a 38-metre long sculpture comprises 59 silhouettes of South Africans of all proportions, holding hands to form the Voting Line.
9. University of Fort Hare, East London
Where Madiba and OR Tambo first met. The university that sculpted a black elite, which went on to forge independence movements. See ruins of a 19th century British fort.
10. Bhunga Building, Mthatha
Once the seat of the Transkei Parliament, the Nelson Mandela National Museum’s three wings are dedicated to the honours and gifts bestowed upon him. Don’t miss the audio presentation in the third wing.
11. Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, Qunu
Go on a guided tour of the village where Madiba was born. It starts at the Heritage Centre and passes the cultural craft centre, the remains of Mandela’s primary school and the graveyard where his parents, son and daughter are buried.
12. Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Howick
Nelson Mandela Capture Site sculpture comprised of 50 steel columns.
Marvel at the impressive steel columns skilfully arranged to reveal Mandela’s face from certain angles at the site of his arrest. Then visit the museum in a converted shed nearby, browse the bookshop, and relax at the Truth coffee shop.
13. Ohlange Institute, Inanda
The first SA school built by a black person and where Mandela cast his vote in the 1994 elections. It’s among the oldest private girls’ schools in the country. Inside, read the story of why Madiba chose to vote here.
14. Mandela House Museum, Soweto
The home of Madiba and second wife Winnie Mandela from 1946 to 1962. The facade is scarred by bullet holes and scorch marks. Inside, find original furnishings, photos, interactive exhibitions, and the World Champs belt given to Mandela by boxing champion Sugar Ray.
15. Vilakazi Street, Soweto
The only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Laureates. Enjoy chisa nyama and Black Label on the strip. At the corner of Khumalo Street, see an artwork of eight man-sized hands spelling ‘Vilakazi’ in sign language.
16. Alexandra Heritage Precinct, Alexandra
Construction on the 100-year-old township’s tourism precinct is due to be completed at the end of 2014. There will be a community archive, a restaurant and retail outlets.
17. Chancellor House and The Shadow Boxer Statue, inner-city Johannesburg
The premises of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. Not open to the public, but the windows display historical material and opposite you’ll see the statue of Madiba as a boxer.
18. Hector Pieterson Museum, Soweto
An homage to the school kids slain on 16 June 1976. Read the panels on the outside, then get a blow-by-blow account of what happened.
19. Kliptown Open-Air Museum, Soweto
It tells the story of the Freedom Charter. Spend a night at Soweto Hotel, eat at the braai area and browse the 10 pillars that represent the Charter.
20. Liliesleaf Farm, Rivonia
Secret meeting point for ANC leaders in the 1960s. Visit for the rich recall of events on the farm that led to the Rivonia Trial, and for Cedric’s Cafe’ coffee shop.
21. Constitution Hill, Braamfontein
Formerly a notorious prison, the old fort is a multipurpose heritage precinct. Walk through the recreational spaces and view the women’s jail, dating back to 1910.
22. Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
At Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square a towering statue of Madiba looks over the number of exclusive restaurants, shops and hotels found here.
An unashamedly opulent square and a good example of Jozi as a multicultural melting pot. Gaze at the statue honouring Madiba and browse the Peacemakers Museum.
23. Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
Considered the most definitive museum on apartheid. Take in uncensored AV material and photos, then ponder its significance in the Highveld Garden.
24. Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg CBD
Built in 2003 and named after Madiba as a tribute to his efforts in bridging racial divides. Drive or walk across the bridge for views of the city.
25. Centre of Memory, Houghton
Open by appointment only. If you’re doing research or yearn to understand his journey, the centre has a variety of helpful resources.
26. Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, Vaal Triangle
The location of the infamous 1960 massacre and where Mandela signed the new Constitution of SA.
27. Mandela Statue at the Union Buildings, Pretoria
Not open to the public. Pack a picnic and laze in the gardens, where a bronze statue of Madiba stands tall. Sammy Marks Museum and Church Square nearby are also worth a visit.
This article first appeared in the June 2014 issue of Getaway Magazine.
