Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Visitor Centre

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Café | Gift Shop | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Instagram Page | Twitter Page

Introduction

KwaZulu-Natal is definitely one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa. Its also home to one of the most inspirational historical sites in the country. If you are in KZN, then you should definitely not miss visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located in the heart of KZN. This site is a monument of tribute to the life and work of one of the world’s most respected leaders, Nelson Mandela.

About the Site

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is located in the town of Howick, about an hour’s drive from Durban. It is the site where Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, was arrested on August 5, 1962, after being on the run for 17 months. At the site you will find the iconic monument and Visitor Centre.

The monument was designed by Marco Cianfanelli and officially opened on August 5, 2012, marking the 50th anniversary of Mandela’s arrest. The monument comprises 50 steel columns that are between 6 and 10 meters tall. These columns are arranged in a pattern that, from a particular vantage point, forms the image of Nelson Mandela’s face. The monument stands at the exact place where Mandela was captured, and visitors can follow a path that leads to a museum that tells the story of his life and the fight against apartheid.

About the Visitor Centre

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site Visitor Centre is an essential part of the experience when visiting the site. It provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding Mandela’s arrest and the apartheid era. The Centre is housed in a modern building that blends in with the surrounding landscape, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the Midlands.

The Centre features an interactive exhibition that uses multimedia displays and artefacts to bring the history of the site to life. The exhibition tells the story of Mandela’s life and the struggle against apartheid, as well as the events that led to his arrest. Visitors can learn about the significance of the site and its role in South Africa’s history, as well as the ongoing legacy of Mandela’s work.

The Centre also includes a café and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase refreshments and souvenirs. The café serves a range of delicious South African cuisine, including traditional dishes like bobotie and boerewors rolls. The gift shop offers a variety of products, including books, artwork, and handicrafts, many of which are made by local artists and craftspeople.

Interesting Facts

• The design of the monument is symbolic in many ways. The 50 columns represent the 50 years since Mandela’s arrest, while the steel represents the strength of the South African people. When viewed from a specific angle, the columns form a portrait of Mandela, which is a breathtaking sight.
• The path leading to the museum is called the “Long Walk to Freedom,” a reference to Mandela’s autobiography, which chronicles his life from childhood to his inauguration as the first black president of South Africa. The path is a metaphor for the struggles that Mandela faced and the sacrifices he made for the liberation of his people.
• The Centre features an exhibition of photographs and documents that tell the story of Mandela’s life and the history of apartheid in South Africa. Visitors can also view a short film about Mandela’s life and the events that led to his arrest and imprisonment.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of South Africa and the life of Nelson Mandela. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the South African people and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against apartheid. With its stunning design and rich history, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site is an unforgettable experience that you should add to your itinerary when visiting KwaZulu-Natal.