The 9m bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings
The 9m bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings
Image: Oli Scarff / Getty Images

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:

Madiba's Journey App
Madiba's Journey App
Image: madibasjourney.southafrica.net/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Putting the finishing touches on The Capture Site 'Mandela' monument
Putting the finishing touches on The Capture Site 'Mandela' monument
Image: Ian Carbutt / Natal Witness / Gallo Images / Getty Images

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.

Nelson Mandela's prison cell at Robben Island
Nelson Mandela's prison cell at Robben Island
Image: Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket / Getty

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.

THE MADIBA SHIRT:

If you're unable to get to visit these places, but want to honour Mandela, check out Presidential. 

The brand has a selection of shirts dedicated to Mandela's centenary which can be bought online or found at one of their stores around the country.

Madiba shirts for sale during an event at Constitutional Hill
Madiba shirts for sale during an event at Constitutional Hill
Image: rennie Shivambu / Gallo Images / Getty Images
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