Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Statue of Nelson Mandela

The Statue of Nelson Mandela is a 6-meter-high bronze sculpture located in Sandton, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was created by South African sculptors Kobus Hattingh and another sculptor. At the time, it was the first official bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. The work shows Mandela making a dancing gesture, as he often did at the end of his meetings after his presidential inauguration in 1994. The statue was unveiled by Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter.

Nelson Mandela statue with raised arms in a busy public square, standing behind a fountain.
The Nelson Mandela statue stands at the center of Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg.
November 2014 © · CC BY 3.0
Nelson Mandela statue standing at the entrance of Nelson Mandela Square with fountains and people nearby.
The Nelson Mandela statue stands at the entrance to Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, with fountains and visitors in the foreground.
November 2014 © · CC BY 3.0
Nelson Mandela statue standing in a paved plaza in front of a large building with an arched window.
The Nelson Mandela statue stands at the base of steps in Sandton Square.
December 2015 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nelson Mandela statue with outstretched arms in a lit plaza at night, with a fountain and people nearby.
Nelson Mandela statue standing in a brightly lit plaza at night.
September 2008 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nelson Mandela statue silhouetted in a brightly lit city square at night.
The Nelson Mandela statue stands near the fountain in Nelson Mandela Square at night.
September 2008 © · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TypeOfficial bronze statue
TitleStatue of Nelson Mandela

Historical context

CommissionedJuly 2002
CompletedFebruary 2004
Unveiled31 March 2004
Erected forthe 10th anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections

Creator

SculptorsKobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane
Sculptor attributionAnother South African sculptor whose name is not given in the fragment is also credited alongside Kobus Hattingh

Location and ownership

LocationSandton, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa
Unveiling locationthe square
Inaugurated byNdileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela's eldest granddaughter

Physical characteristics

Height6 meters
Weight2.5 tons
Widthnot stated in the fragment

Materials

MaterialBronze

Appearance

Descriptiondescribed as towering, imposing, and a focal point for the entire area
SubjectNelson Mandela
ClothingMadiba shirt
Posedancing in a dance-like gesture
Depicted figureNelson Mandela

Iconography and meaning

Gesture contextA gesture he often did at the end of his meetings since his presidential inauguration in 1994
Dance referencethe Madiba jive
Interpretationa tribute to the spirit of joy and celebration inherent in the people of South Africa
Interpretation speakerBasetsana Kumalo, the master of ceremonies at the unveiling
Characterizationa very happy statue

Discovery and provenance

Donation boxA donation box for the Nelson Mandela Foundation was placed beside the statue.

Significance

Historical significanceAt the time, it was the first official bronze statue of Nelson Mandela
Significancethe first-ever public statue of Mandela