More than a hundred guests and celebrities cheered as a 6m bronze statue of former president Nelson Mandela was unveiled at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton on Wednesday.
The square, previously known as Sandton Square, was also renamed on Wednesday.
Before handing over to Mandela’s eldest granddaughter, Ndileka Mandela, who officially unveiled the statue, the square’s general manager, Gary Vipond, said: ”I bet you are dying to see it.”
Vipond said the square presented optimism, expressiveness and confidence, like the famous Madiba jive.
Vipond said the new Nelson Mandela Square will celebrate international style with the warmth of true African hospitality.
”We would like you to experience this hospitality today in the Nelson Mandela Square, as together we celebrate the unveiling and celebrate the future.”
When asked why Sandton Square has been renamed after Mandela who is known as a champion of the disadvantaged people of South Africa, Vipond said: ”Wealth is not about being financially wealthy, but about goodness.”
He said Mandela’s humility had inspired many people and he [Mandela] was the ”most-loved statesman in the world”.
Vipond said the statue was a tribute from international donors who wanted to honour anonymously a man who symbolised South Africa’s rainbow nation.
”They approached us after conducting extensive research to identify the most appropriate place for the statue,” he said.
”What better place to commemorate and celebrate our contemporary culture than here in a square that demonstrates how far South Africa has come in the world?”
Mandela’s granddaughter, Dorothy Mandela (20), said it was not ironic that the statue was placed in Sandton, the most affluent suburban in Johannesburg, because it represented Mandela’s contribution to progress.
”The statue does not have to be in Soweto to emphasise the impact he has made.”
She said the statue made her very happy and proud to be the granddaughter of Mandela.
However, she said: ”I’m not sure how much the statue looks like him, but it will have to do for now.” — Sapa