Constitution Hill
What: This site served as a prison during the apartheid era and, briefly, as a military fort. Today, it operates as a museum and houses the Constitutional Court.
Where: Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Price: See pricing structure here.
Why go: To experience the Walk with Madiba Tour. Mandela was incarcerated twice at Constitution Hill and the tour traces his steps around the precinct and includes a tour of his cell, as well as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s cell in the Women’s Jail. There is also an exhibition in his honour.
8 places you can visit to honour Mandela on his centenary
Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary whose fight for freedom during the apartheid era saw him lauded as one of the most remarkable and respected persons of all time. In 1994, he was the first democratically elected and first black president of South Africa. In 2013, the world mourned his death and this Wednesday (July 18) the world will celebrate his centenary.
This provides a unique opportunity for people to reflect, promote and honour his legacy.
Wanted suggests the following places you can visit throughout the year in remembrance and celebration of Madiba:
Madiba's Journey app
What: An app that allows you to track and select places of interest on Mandela’s journey.
Where: Available for download at Apple’s App Store or Google Play
Price: No charge
Why download: An easy and accessible way to walk in the footsteps of Madiba. It provides operating hours, tours, ticket prices and contact information of places that shaped Mandela’s journey, as well as audio narratives for each location.
*Special Event: The app has multiple events to choose from to celebrate Mandela Day and the centenary of his birth and after.
Mandela House
What: The first home that Mandela owned (1946 until 1990s) is now a national monument.
Where: Orlando West, Soweto
Price: See pricing structure here
Why go? Soweto itself is a fascinating experience for first-time and repeat visitors. The Mandela House tours exhibit the heritage and legacy of the Mandela family and give a personal look at their home.
*Special Event: The launch of Grandad Mandela by Zindzi, Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela on Saturday July 21
Nelson Mandela Museum
What: The Nelson Mandela Museum offers a memorable cultural experience, with guided tours and a heritage trail.
Where: Qunu, south-west of Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Price: No charge
Why go? Qunu is where Mandela grew up. A visit to the village gives insight into his life. The museum is fairly small but well worth seeing.
*Special Event: Nelson Mandela Values Event on Wednesday July 18
Constitution Hill
What: This site served as a prison during the apartheid era and, briefly, as a military fort. Today, it operates as a museum and houses the Constitutional Court.
Where: Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Price: See pricing structure here.
Why go: To experience the Walk with Madiba Tour. Mandela was incarcerated twice at Constitution Hill and the tour traces his steps around the precinct and includes a tour of his cell, as well as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s cell in the Women’s Jail. There is also an exhibition in his honour.
Liliesleaf Farm
What: The safe house for the leadership of the ANC’s armed wing, where Nelson Mandela hid in plain sight during apartheid, is now a heritage site.
Where: Rivonia, Johannesburg
Price: See pricing structure here
Why go? The museum pays tribute to those involved in changing the political landscape of South Africa during apartheid. It boasts a vast archive, with important artefacts on display, as well as educational materials.
Union Buildings
What: The official seat of South Africa's government and houses The Presidency – Mandela was inaugurated here on May 10 1994.
Where: Pretoria, Gauteng
Price: No charge
Why go? Beautiful architectural design, gorgeous gardens, with many monuments and statues paying tribute to the rich cultural history of South Africa. The 9m bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled at the buildings the day after his funeral in 2013.
Robben Island
What: An island in Table Bay where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years – now a heritage site.
Where: Cape Town
Price: R360pp
Why go? Arguably the most iconic and hallowed site of all, Robben Island gives a stark and deeply personal account of Mandela’s years as a prisoner.
The Capture Site
What: The site where Mandela was arrested on August 5 1962.
Where: Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal
Price: See pricing structure here
Why go? To see the Mandela monument, which is made up of 50 steel columns and is nearly 10m high. There are also guided tours, a museum and a coffee shop.