Celebrate Nelson Mandela's Legacy With A Historical Trip To South Africa

Nelson Mandela International Day celebrates the spirit of South Africa's legendary statesman, and anti-apartheid activist's spirit, who spent over 25 years in jails for his beliefs rooted in equality for all. 

Nelson Mandela, originally named Rolihlahla Mandela by his Xhosa-speaking Tembu family became the South Africa's first Black President in 1994. His teacher renamed him 'Nelson' on his first day of school, a name that has become synonymous with his legacy. 

Mandela's remarkable life story, marked by struggle and resilience, is remembered every year on Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated on his birthday, July 18. This year's theme, 'Joining hands, connecting communities,' encourages unity and reflection on Mandela's contributions. Have a look at the sites that reminds us of Nelson Mandela's footsteps in the sands of time

Robben Island, Western Cape Province

Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island, known for its harsh conditions and isolation. Here, along with 3,000 other political prisoners, Mandela's resilience against the apartheid regime was forged. The island now serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality.

Tour information: Entry fee for non-South Africans: ZAR 1,400 (approximately INR 6,360) per adult.

Drakenstein Correctional Centre, Western Cape Province

The Nelson Mandela Statue stands at this correctional facility, marking the place where Mandela spent the last 14 months of his imprisonment. It was from these gates that he walked free in 1990, a pivotal moment in South Africa's history.

Tour information: No entry fee.

Mandela House, Soweto, Gauteng Province

Located on Vilakazi Street, the only street to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Mandela's former residence is now a museum. This modest red-brick house, built in 1945, showcases collections of Mandela memorabilia and retains the scars of its turbulent past, including bullet holes and scorch marks from petrol bombs. In his landmark autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela describes coming back here in 1990 upon his release after 27 years in prison.

Tour information: Entrance fee for non-South Africans (adults above 18 years): ZAR 180 (approximately INR 817).
Seniors (above 60 years): ZAR 180 (approximately INR 817).
Youth (7-18 years): ZAR 70 (approximately INR 317).
Students: ZAR 70 (approximately INR 317).
Free entry for children under 7 years.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Province

This site marks the location of Mandela's arrest on August 5, 1962, leading to his imprisonment over two decades. It features an impressive installation of 50 steel columns that align to form Mandela's face when viewed from a specific angle, symbolizing his enduring legacy.