Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation

The Foundation raises funds for a statue of Nelson Mandela in Glasgow, as a focus for education on his life and his lessons on anti-racism and social justice.

[History ZAR @HistorySAZAR]

Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first Black President of South Africa on this day in 1994. Credit: Peter Turnley/Corbis

[Kathrada Foundation @KathradaFound]

Today in history | From our 2026 Racial Justice Calendar 🗓️

On this day in 1994, South Africans went to the polls in the country’s first non-racial democratic elections, marking a turning point in our history.

Held four years after the unbanning of liberation movements and the release of political prisoners, the elections paved the way for a new democratic order and the establishment of a Government of National Unity.

Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, with F. W. de Klerk serving as Deputy President.

This moment signalled not only the end of apartheid, but the beginning of a shared responsibility to build an inclusive, and democratic society.

More moments like this are captured in our 2026 Racial Justice Calendar, bringing history into daily focus.

Download🔗https://t.co/cxeq2EoXlw

#KathyLegacy #RacialJustice

[NelsonMandela @NelsonMandela]

As we mark Freedom Day, we honour the significance of 1994, the sacrifices made, and the hard-won right to live in a democratic South Africa, 32 years into our democracy.

We also know that there is no freedom without dignity, and that it must be felt in people’s everyday lives.

Madiba’s words call on us to continue the work of building a society where both freedom and dignity are a reality for all.

#FreedomDay
#FreedomMonth
#NelsonMandela
#FreedomDay2026

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

S.Africans in the northern half of Britain voted in Glasgow,and the Anti-Apartheid Movement Scottish Committee was one of the bodies invited to appoint official obervers.Watching South Africans of all races casting their votes together that momentous day was truly a privilege.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

On 26/27th April 1994 South Africa held its first non-racial election, ending whites-only rule, electing a new Government and making Nelson Mandela the country's President. 26th was for infirm voters and the day for exiles to vote abroad - including in Glasgow City Chambers.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

On 29th March 1988 Dulcie September was murdered as she opened the ANC Paris office for the day. Many in the UK Anti-Apartheid Movement knew her well and were hugely shocked. Her death came just weeks before 30,000 marched through Glasgow to free Mandela and end apartheid.

[History ZAR @HistorySAZAR]

South African anti-apartheid activist Dulcie September (1935-1988). She joined APDUSA in 1960 & National Liberation Front (NLF) in January 1963. On 12 July 1963, September’s home was raided by security police & when NLF materials were found, she was detained. September was sentenced to five years imprisonment, during which time she endured severe physical and psychological abuse. She was released in 1969 with a strict five-year banning order under the Pretoria regime. In 1973, as her banning order drew to a close, September applied for a permanent departure permit, having secured a position at Madeley College of Education in Staffordshire. She left South Africa on 19 December 1973. In London, she joined the activities of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and was in the frontline of numerous political rallies and demonstrations at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square. She joined the ANC in 1976 & it was here where she was recognized for her dedication to women's issues and made it her mission to welcome newly exiled South Africans to London. She represented the ANC in many countries. On the morning of 29 March 1988, September was shot 5 times with a silenced .22 caliber rifle outside the ANC's Paris office at 28, Rue des Petites-Écuries, as she was opening the office after collecting the mail. She was 52 years old. Credit: SAHO/Dulcie September Family Archive /Wikipedia/AAM Archives

[History ZAR @HistorySAZAR]

Listen to the voice of Sol Plaatje in this first recording of "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika", made on October 16, 1923, in London, England, by Sol T Plaatje himself, accompanied by Sylvia Colenso on the piano.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

The clay model created by sculptor Alan Herriot is now complete and moved on to Powderhall Foundry for work on the final bronze version, which will take some months. Alan Herriot is a fantastic sculptor, who has worked at great speed to produce an amazing tribute to Mandela.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Concrete foundations have now been laid at the site in Nelson Mandela Place of the coming statue of Nelson Mandela, ready for the installation of the plinth and the statue itself in due course. The pavement has been relaid on top, to await October. See https://t.co/sRfw3oKbvt

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

The latest update on progress with the Mandela statue in Glasgow is now on the NMSMF website. Alan Herriot has been working at speed on the clay model, and this will move on to Powderhall foundry within days for casting. Oct. 9th is the unveiling target. https://t.co/kbd9b2YNcz

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Our statue in Mandela Place, Glasgow, where we celebrated that night in 1990, will serve to honour his memory and his lessons for all who value social and racial justice. Material is now used in schools, and much more will be linked to the statue itself. https://t.co/AGodCZ4WvD

[Constitution Hill SA @VisitConHill]

36 years ago today, Nelson Mandela walked into freedom. We commemorate this day not just as history, but as a call to action. It is up to us to protect the rights he fought for and create a brighter legacy for the future. It starts with you & I.#StandUp4HumanRights #VisitConHill

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Crowds celebrated that night in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow. The contract is now signed for Alan Herriot to produce a statue of Mandela in that same Place. He is hard at work on the clay, and casting in bronze will be complete for unveiling in October. https://t.co/AGodCZ4oG5

[NelsonMandela @NelsonMandela]

On 11 February, we remember the release of Nelson Mandela. A moment that marked the end of one long injustice and the beginning of a nation’s reckoning with freedom, dignity, and responsibility.

This year also marks 27 years of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

27 years of carrying Madiba’s legacy forward, protecting his values, and advancing social justice in a democratic South Africa.

From 27 years behind bars to 27 years of legacy in action, the work of freedom continues.

#OnThisDay #MandelaLegacy #FreedomAndJustice #27Years

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

@DrAlakbarov @MurphyNiallGLA Unveiling planned to be on 9th October, 2026, all going well. That will be 33 years since Mandela's visit to Glasgow to accept the Freedom of the city and of eight other UK local authorities.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Sculptor Alan B Herriot selected to create the statue of Nelson Mandela in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow.A public consultation on 5 shortlisted designs led to much interest and over 500 detailed responses. Target date 9 Oct. 2026. See https://t.co/lONM0uX66d Donations welcome too

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

@MurphyNiallGLA If you aren't able to get to the Chambers before 4pm on Fri. 14th, see an online version of the display and of the comments form at https://t.co/x4FtmnAHPa until 1pm on Mon. 17th. A short walk round the display is at https://t.co/yOa5Zqe6Y0

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

A short video of a walk round the Mandela maquettes in Glasgow at https://t.co/yOa5Zqe6Y0 gives a good view and brief account of each of the five works. The full online display and comment form is at https://t.co/Cx4Rs8nlrI Display live in City Chambers till Fri. 14th Nov. 4pm

[History ZAR @HistorySAZAR]

Inkosi Albert Luthuli was elected as the Rector of the University of Glasgow in October 1962, and served until 1965. Due to the South African government's banning orders, which confined him to his home in Groutville, Natal, he was unable to travel to Scotland to be installed or fulfill his duties in person, serving in absentia. The University of Glasgow and the British Foreign Secretary's efforts to obtain permission for him to travel failed. In his absence, the Student Representative Council established the Luthuli Scholarship Fund to enable a Black South African student to study at Glasgow University. Photo: Eli Weinberg

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Whether online or in person, please complete the survey and so have your views considered in the final choice of sculptor and design for what will be an iconic monument to celebrate Nelson Mandela and his links with Scotland - a statue in Glasgow's Nelson Mandela Place.

[Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation @mandelasmf]

Mandela Statue consultation begins!
The online display of photos/videos of the 5 maquettes is now live at https://t.co/Cx4Rs8nlrI The stunning scale models will be on display in Glasgow City Chambers every day from Monday 10-Friday 14 Nov. for anyone to look and leave comments.

[Tambo Foundation @TamboFoundation]

“No struggle depends on one person — but there are exceptions to every rule. Comrade O.R. is that exception.” — Nelson Mandela on his close friend #ORTambo, 1991.

Honouring Oliver Reginald Tambo, 108 years on.

#HappyBirthdayORTambo #TamboMonth2025 #PanAfricanUnity #GlobalSolidarity #TamboRemembered