On the 5th of August 1962, Nelson Mandela was arrested outside Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. After his capture, Mandela spent 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this moment in history. A powerful sculpture sits at the end of a long, peaceful walk, symbolizing Mandela’s long walk to freedom. The Capture Site is a must-visit when it comes to activities and things to do in Kwazulu-Natal. Situated only a few kilometers away from the ANEW Hotel Hilton, this historic location is definitely worth visiting during your stay.
About the Capture Site Sculptor
The site features a sculpture by artist Marco Cianfanelli, consisting of 50 metal steel poles which are between 6 and 10 meters tall. When standing at a certain angle, these poles line up and form the image of Mandela’s face. As you journey closer to the sculpture, the image dilutes and eventually you start seeing the individual poles again, which merge into the natural landscape of the Midlands Meander.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site Sculpture Symbolism
This sculpture was set up in 2012, on the 50th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s capture. Cianfenelli commented, “the 50 columns represent the 50 years since Nelson Mandela’s capture, but they also suggest the idea of the many making the whole; of solidarity. Mandela’s incarceration cemented his status as an icon of the struggle, which in turn helped ferment the groundswell of resistance”.
As part of the places to visit near ANEW Hotel Hilton, there’s also an self-guided Apartheid museum on site. The museum tells the story of Mandela’s life and his long struggle to a free country. There’s a small curio shop on the property and entry is free, although a donation is appreciated.
Ask the reception at ANEW Hotel Hilton about visiting this heritage site.
Make the Nelson Mandela Capture Site part of your experience when you visit the ANEW Hotel Hilton.
