The Mandela family celebrated Arbor Week and Heritage Month with the City of Cape by the unveiling of a commemorative tree, mosaic bench and plaque in honour of former President Nelson Mandela on the Grand Parade.Â
In addition, the newly installed bastion signage of the Old Fort was unveiled on the Parade in conjunction with a preview of the Grand Parade Exhibition, which opens to the public today, 3 September 2024.
‘The Water berry tree that the City planted on Friday replaces the original Ficus tree planted by the late, former President Nelson Mandela on the Parade during the nineties and referred to in the Grand Parade Heritage Impact Assessment as deserving protection. We are pleased to have been joined by members of the Mandela family who gave us their support and endorsement for the Mandela tree, bench and plaque that were unveiled today,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
The new mosaic bench, installed a few metres from the tree, was designed in collaboration with Presidential Shirt designer, Desré Buirski, who provided the artwork for the mosaic using a Mandela shirt pattern. The Nelson Mandela Foundation provided their endorsement of the tree, bench and plaque. Staff from the City’s Strategic Assets and Environmental Management Departments collaborated on the multifaceted initiative.
New mosaic bench unveiled
‘These occasions demonstrate the power of collaboration. It was beautiful to see various organisations coming together to tell a South African story, not only to sustain it for today, but to sustain it for futures to come. We thank you for being afforded the opportunity to be here and to participate,’ said Zondwa Mandela, Mandela’s grandson and Chairman of the Mandela Legacy Foundation. Also in attendance from the Mandela family was Zondwa’s wife, Lindo Mandela and their two daughters, Zazi Mandela and Zikalizikantu Mandela.
.‘It gives me great pride to play a part in leading the Strategic Assets Department in managing the upkeep of these venues that are of great historical and economic value. These spaces, like so many in Cape Town, are etched with the legacies of heroes and activists who moved us forward to the free South Africa we enjoy today,’ said Alderman James Vos, wearing a grey Mandela shirt matching the patterns of the mosaic bench.
The Grand Parade Exhibition is the second temporary exhibition to be displayed as part of the City’s Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – Legacy Exhibition, which re-opens to the public today, Tuesday, 3 September 2024. The Mandela Exhibition documents Mandela’s long walk to freedom, while the new Grand Parade Exhibition traces the historic development of the Parade in more detail, from its early fortification to the people-orientated event and trading space that it is today.
• Access to the exhibitions is free of charge.
• Members of the public are encouraged to also walk around the Grand Parade; sit on the new bench, see the tree as well as experience the upgraded parade paving which includes the footprint of the original clay and wood fortification, the Fort de Goede Hoop, in the layout.
WHAT: Mandela family celebrated Arbor Week and Heritage Month
WHERE: Grand Parade, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: open to public from 3 September 2024
INFO: see also Ald Edward Andrews – National Arbor Week & Heritage Month Celebration |  Cape Town Green Map
LEAD PHOTO: Ald James Vos, Zondwa Mandela, Lindo Mandela, Zikalizikantu Mandela (child) and Zazi Mandela
