Mandela statue unveiling on 16 Dec
THE R8 million stature of the legendary Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings will be unveiled by President Jacob Zuma on Day of Day of Reconciliation (16 December).
The 9m bronze statue of the global icon will depict Madiba with his signature smile, with an open arm pose and one leg slightly extended back. The statue is still being constructed a team of South African artists.
Artist Andre Prinsloo told SAnews that it was difficult to determine at which age they should capture the ailing former President.
“It was an extremely difficult task because everyone knows what Mandela looks like. We eventuality decided to capture him using his images 10 years after 1994,” said Prinsloo, who teamed up with another South African artist, Ruhan Jansen van Vuuren.
Van Vuuren said they tried to capture Madiba as a symbol of peace, “where people can go to when they need answers”.
“This is a lifelong dream to work on such a sculpture – it is really an honour,” said Prinsloo.
The unveiling of the statue is part of the countdown to 20 years of democracy and part of the Union Buildings’ centenary, which also takes place in December.
It is still not decided where the statue will be placed at the Union Buildings.
