Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Description

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is a must-see for anyone travelling along the Midlands Meander. It was here that Mandela was waved down by the police on a quiet country road when posing as a chauffeur and arrested on 5 August 1962 after years on the run, resulting in the Rivonia Treason Trial and him sentenced to spending 27 years in prison.

The site consists of a small converted shed with a temporary exhibition that portrays Madiba's life and his role in the transformation of South Africa. A long winding gravel pathway leads out of the other side of the shed and down to the sculpture where 50 rods of steel create something of an optical illusion. If you stand directly in front of it, the rods merge to form a realistic vision of Nelson Mandela's face, but veer just a little to the left or right and you're left with just a pile of sticks in the ground again. The gravel pathway is wheelchair friendly and there are benches dotted along the way so you can sit down and admire the sculpture for a while.

Facilities

• Temporary exhibition
• Nelson Mandela sculpture
• Toilets
• Kiddies' playground
• Book shop
• Several curio shops
• Conference venue
• Truth Cafe
• Swimming pool
• Secure parking