I have always been intrigued by the photos of the sculpture. I knew what we would see there would be unusual, but I had no preconception of what it would be like.
My family and I had started the day in the Midlands – after staying at the super-welcoming Caladdi Guest House in Lidgetton. We then meandered through the Midlands to reach the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located just outside Howick. We crested a hill and spotted the site in the dip, right on the side of the road.
The sculpture appears on your left as you enter, but at this stage you do not appreciate the power of the place.
Visitors start at the small museum which traces the Nelson Mandela story through a series of photographs, video and storyboards.
His story, which we have all heard, resonates with new meaning and understanding as you move through the exhibition. Even my young daughters were touched by stories of Nelson Mandela’s humanity – a trait that crosses age barriers.
I felt a perceptible sense of anticipation as I exited the museum and started the ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ which takes visitors down to the sculpture. It has been very well laid out, leading you slowly and inevitably, to the site of Nelson Mandela’s arrest, the place that his life, and our nation, changed irrevocably.
At first sight of the sculpture it looks like something you see when your eyes are not quite focused. As you draw closer it slowly takes form, and the familiar face of Madiba emerges in the columns. I felt an emotional response, appreciating the sculpture for the magnificent artwork that it is, and also wondering how Mandela felt on that lonely stretch of road as his car was stopped in 1962…
It is good to note that a brand new – and very grand looking museum – is being built on the site, which will give more space to the current material on display and still have room for more. The plan includes recreational space for picnics, concerts and celebrations. Even a tunnel under the road is on the cards to take visitors to the actual spot of Mandela’s arrest.
The Capture Site is, without doubt, a site not to be missed, it puts in perspective the events that have shaped our country, the immense bravery and humility of Nelson Mandela and the way we should always remember and appreciate his legacy to every South African.
Text and images: Heather Coull