The City of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – Legacy Exhibition and Education Programme has once again been acknowledged for its contributions and efforts to preserve and promote heritage and history – having won the award for ‘Local Government Commitment’ at the National Heritage Council (NHC) of South Africa’s 9th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards. The winners of this year’s awards were announced at a ceremony in Polokwane on Friday, 25 November 2022.

The Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – Legacy Exhibition and Education Programme won in the category for ‘Local Government Commitment’, which recognises ‘a municipality that has made outstanding contributions to local, regional or provincial heritage or history through innovative programmes that educate, interpret or promote public awareness of their heritage and history’.

Furthermore, the award recipients and the projects reflect best practice in promotion, preservation, conservation and interpretation of our heritage.

‘With this latest recognition from the NHC, it means that the exhibition and education programme is now a multi-award winning initiative. In October 2022 it also received an award at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s Cultural Affairs Awards. We are extremely proud of this exhibition and the contribution it makes in building social cohesion and understanding.

‘I firmly believe it is impossible to visit this exhibition and not be moved. We learn from our past which determines our present and future. I invite every Capetonian and visitor to our lovely city this festive season to visit the City Hall and view the exhibition,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

The permanent exhibition was developed by the City of Cape Town in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and is situated at Cape Town’s City Hall where Nelson Mandela made his first public address after being released from prison on 11 February 1990.

The exhibition and education programme, managed by the City’s Environmental Management Department, chronicles the life of the former president, his links to Cape Town and celebrates his legacy.

A bronze statue of Madiba is installed on the balcony from where he gave his renowned speech and adds another aspect for visitors to enjoy when visiting the exhibition – which consists of interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays and more. In addition to linking visitors to the legacy of Madiba, the exhibition recognises the invaluable contributions of other Capetonians who were involved in the liberation struggle, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Cissie Gool and Ashley Kriel.

Since its opening on 10 December 2021, the exhibition has welcomed over 4 800 visitors through its doors. More than 2 000 of these visitors experienced the exhibition through its education programme which was launched on 24 February 2022.

Entry to the exhibition, and participation in the education programme is free-of-charge.

For more information about the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – Legacy Exhibition and Education Programme, visit www.capetown.gov.za/MandelaExhibition.

Source: City Of Cape Town