A bronze statue of Nelson Mandela has been unveiled in Glasgow, three decades after he was granted freedom of the city. The ceremony took place in Nelson Mandela Place on Friday afternoon, 33 years to the day since the revolutionary received the honour in a packed George Square, with hundreds of spectators braving the rain to witness it.
First public monument of a named black person in Scotland
The effigy, designed by Scottish sculptor Alan B Herriot, stands on a plinth of South African granite and depicts Mr Mandela in a decorated shirt with arms raised and his unmistakable smile. It is the first public monument of a named black person in Scotland.
Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994 after decades of leading the resistance against apartheid, including 27 years in prison. He died in 2013 at the age of 95.
South African high commissioner speaks at unveiling
South Africa’s high commissioner to the UK, Kingsley Mamabolo, told the audience it was a “profound honour and deeply moving privilege” to be in the heart of Glasgow for the unveiling, and recalled Mandela's previous visit. He said: “For decades, Scotland stood as the very epitome of the British people’s solidarity and fierce struggle against the brutal apartheid system.
“This tribute stands as a bridge between Glasgow solidarity and the generational sacrifices that build our freedom. Standing on this very ground, we are reminded of the bold, creative, and defiant steps taken by this great city.
“Those who were here will never forget the joy, the dancing, and the rain that fell on George Square that day. Today, 33 years later, we return to Glasgow to put Mandela here permanently.”
Ceremony features music and speeches
The ceremony opened with a performance by Glasgow women’s drumming band SheBoom, before speeches from Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation chairman Brian Filling and Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, who led a countdown to the moment the sheet covering the statue was pulled away to loud cheers.
South African singer Marah Louw, who sang and danced with Mandela in 1993, performed Circle Of Life as the rain began falling. Louw rounded off proceedings with an a cappella rendition of South Africa's national anthem.
One of those witnessing the event was Kay Penman, 63, from Edinburgh, who said it was “wonderful” to be present at the unveiling after campaigning against apartheid during the 1980s and 90s. She said: “It was really meaningful to be part of it. I think it meant a lot to people who were here, and I think it’s impressive that so many people came out.”
She was also in the crowd when Mandela came to Glasgow in 1993, which she described as “pure joy.” “I didn’t even remember it was pouring with rain. I was just so full of joy,” she recalled. “I remember Marah Louw singing and Mandela's speech, and him dancing along with her singing. It was just the most amazing thing.”
Sunita McKenna, 50, said she was “over the moon” to have witnessed the unveiling, having missed out on seeing Mandela in 1993. She said: “It’s filled my heart with joy. I’m so happy to be here. Glasgow made us proud.”
Sunita was at the event with fellow PCS union rep Cheral Govind, 35, who said the statue will help remind future generations of Mandela’s story, and his connection with the city. “I’m proud Glasgow’s got this history of being on the right side of history,” she said. “It’s lovely to just come out and see this cemented for younger people to learn about something cool that happened before they were born.”
