Nelson Mandela’s long walk to freedom was interrupted for 27 years on the old national road between Johannesburg and Durban, near Howick , where he was ‘captured. ‘ Up until now, a fairly ordinary looking plinth on the side of the road of the esteemed KZN Midlands Meander was all there was to signify this historical event.
Fifty years on it’s blossoming into world-class destination thanks to Christopher Till, Director of the Apartheid Museum who with the Nelson Mandela Foundation is collaborating with the uMngeni Municipality and developing a multi-functional facility.
The site has an awesome perspective of the rolling Midlands topography with the Drakensburg in the background.Visitors are greeted by an extraordinary sculpture by South African artist Marco Cianfanelli comprising 50 poles between 6m and 10m high standing in the landscape. ”Only when you stand in a particular spot will the face of Madiba appear” Chris explains.
The first phase of The Capture Site involves an exhibition which has travelled the world: Mandela – Comrade, Leader, Prisoner, Negotiator, Statesman.
The exhibition ”gives visitors a deep sense of Mandela’s life, how his character was shaped by his rural upbringing, his move to Johannesburg, his studying at the University of the Witwatersrand, his leadership of the Youth League, his anti-apartheid activities, the treason trial, his capture, Robben Island, loss of family, his freedom, and finally his Presidency” Chris elaborates.
The second phase will see the construction of a new museum /visitor centre offering a unique insight into Madiba’s life and the struggle stories specifically related to Kwazulu Natal. “Visitors can also enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Truth Café with menu items such as “Prison lunch”, “Freedom lunch”, Chris says with a twinkle in his eye. “The Truth Store will contain artefacts and memorabilia as well as outstanding beaded artwork and jewellery …”
”In particular, there will be an opportunity to watch the Umpumelelo bead artists at work”. Internationally recognised, this highly skilled group of women have produced commissions for corporate, national and international collections including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Malmo Museum in Sweden, the Johannesburg Art gallery and the Apartheid Museum. For more about the Museum’s visit, read here
Steuart Pennington in his SA Good News article says ” I was so excited to discover it. I can’t think of any capture sites where the “captured” have become truly celebrated individuals”. ”What a great piece of history to be able to relive at the capture site!” See for yourself.
And for a tribute to Mandela’s passing…