South Africa
places you will never forget

Original Capture Site

The original capture site marks the spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 about 5 km outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal and is marked by a small plaque on a wall on the side of the R103. It has been considered as too small and plans are under way to have it demolished at  a future date. 

New Capture Site

The new Capture Site is across the road and directly opposite the  original  monument mentioned above. It  was originally a farm that has since been turned into a multi-functional memorial to Nelson Mandela. The main feature of this site is the majestic sculpture that is positioned in such a way that it over looks the exact spot where Mandela was captured.

The Sculpture

Marco Cianfanelli and Jeremy Rose (Mashabane Rose Architects) worked together in 2007 to produce an outstanding work that became a sculpture of Nelson Mandela. The monument was inaugurated on 4 August 2012, was chosen for the Lions River Heritage award for 2013 and has attracted world wide attention. It is the largest work of its kind in South Africa and has gained international acclaim.

Description

  • 50 linear vertical steel columns ranging from 6 metres and 9.5 metres in height.
  • Height: 9.48 meters
  • Material: Laser cut mild steel and steel tubing painted black
  • Length: 20.8 meters
  • Presentation: Vertically arranged on a clear piece of land.
  • Width: 5.19 meters

From a distance the sculpture looks like a forest of steel poles but as the visitor walks down the path, called The Long Road to Freedom, the image of Nelson Mandela becomes visible at a distance of approximately 30 metres.

The visitor can walk in amongst the columns as they are set far apart and this work of art blends beautifully and harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

A smaller version of this statue can be found on display at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

MarconCianfanelli explained the symbolism behind the the 50 columns,

"The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture, but they also suggest the idea of many making the whole; of solidarity."

Marco Cianfanelli

Truth Café

Fine home-made food to suit all tastes.

The Truth Shop

  • African bead work crafted on site
  • Books and brochures.
  • Memorabilia,
  • T shirts
  • Arts and crafts of a high standard

Conference Centre

Talks on Nelson Mandela and related subjects can be arranged with local reputable speakers.

For the Children

  • Grassy spaces to play ball
  • Jungle Gym
  • Swimming Pool
  • Trampoline

Midlands Meander

The Capture site is the starting point of the Midlands Meander. Consult the official site for full details.

Parties Involved in The Capture Site

  • Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
  • KwaZulu Natal Heritage Council (AMAFA)
  • Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
  • The Apartheid Museum
  • uMngeni Municipality

Coming Soon

  • Arts and Crafts node
  • Museum

Planning under way

  • Theatre/Amphitheatre

Visiting hours

Exhibition and Sculpture

  • Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00

Restaurant

  • Friday – Sunday: 08:00 – 16:00

Admission 

An admission fee is levied. Please see website for details.

Directions

  • Take the N3 highway to Durban / Johannesburg.
  • Outside of Howick, take the Tweedie turn-off to Lions River.
  • Turn right onto the R103
  • The sculpture is 5 minutes from the N3 turn-off and is well signposted.

 

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