The unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Statue in Nelson Mandela Place on 9 October, marks the culmination of many years of work by the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation, led by its chair, Brian Filling – also Honorary Consul for South Africa -and Janis Carson, vice-chair/project manager supported by John Nelson, secretary/treasurer and the Foundation’s Board.
We were joined at the unveiling event by Lord Provost Councillor Dr Jacqueline McLaren, Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo, High Commissioner of South Africa, singer Marah Louw and the sculptor of the wonderful statue, Alan B Herriot.
Just as it had 33 years ago to the day, when Nelson Mandela came to Glasgow to receive the Freedom of the 9 Cities, the heavens opened and the rain poured down. But the huge crowd was happy to brave the elements to witness this momentous moment as the gold cloth was pulled away and the statue, on its plinth of South African Granite, was revealed for all to see.
Thanks go to all the committee members and patrons over the years and to every member of the public who contributed to the statue and educational project, however big or small the donation.
It now stands as a proud reminder of Glasgow and Scotland’s links with South Africa and the struggle against apartheid; and a monument to the significant importance of international solidarity.
Alan B Herriot’s work can be found at www.alanherriot.co.uk