Statue of Nelson Mandela, Union Buildings, Bronze statue at Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa
The Nelson Mandela statue stands at Union Buildings in Pretoria, depicting the anti-apartheid leader in bronze with arms raised in greeting and a welcoming smile. The nine-meter sculpture sits elevated on the grounds where government buildings form the backdrop, allowing views from multiple directions across the open plaza.
The memorial was unveiled in December 2013 following Mandela's death, replacing an earlier statue of a historical leader that had occupied the site. Its installation marked a symbolic shift at the government complex from apartheid-era symbols to monuments celebrating freedom and democracy.
The statue embodies reconciliation through its welcoming gesture, reflecting how South African society moved from division to unity. Visitors encounter this symbol of national transformation as a gathering point where people pause to reflect on the country's journey.
The site is accessible during standard government office hours, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to photograph the statue from different angles. The open location and well-maintained grounds make it straightforward to approach the monument closely or view it from a distance.
The bronze sculpture weighs approximately 4.5 tons and stands as the largest representation of Mandela anywhere in the world, making it a distinctive landmark. Its placement at Union Buildings—the seat of executive power—emphasizes its role as a symbol of the new South African government.
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