Nelson Mandela Square & Statue

The Nelson Mandela Square is the largest open public space in South Africa and is part of the Sandton City shopping complex in the north of Johannesburg. It was known as Sandton Square but renamed on 31 March 2004 when the 6 metre statue of Nelson Mandela was positioned in honour of the former South African President.

The 1 000m2 Square is reminiscent of a Mediterranean style piazza and has numerous pavement cafes and many restaurants and coffee shops including African cuisine to delight the international tourist. Many events take place in this space so the visitor will never be disappointed no matter what time of year he visits the Square.

The shopping area's 88 exclusive shops including African art and handicraft receive over a million visitors a month.

Mandela Statue

The larger than life bronze statue of a happy dancing Nelson Mandela that inspired the MC at the unveiling, Batsesana Kumalo, to call it the Madiba Jive is:

  • Six meters tall
  • Weighs 2.5 tons
  • Measures 2.3 metres from elbow to elbow
  • Has a shoulder width of 1.7m
  • The shoes measure one metre in length
  • Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane were the sculptors

Trading Times

Shops

  • Monday to Thursday, 09h,00 to 19h00
  • Friday 09h to 20h00
  • Holidays 09h00 to 17h00

Restaurants & Theatre

Mandela Square Restaurants and Theatre stay open till late. For more details consult the website for the store listings directory.

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