Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg (must see)

Nelson Mandela Square is a large public plaza adjacent to Sandton City shopping centre, in the affluent northern suburb of Sandton. The square, like the shopping centre, once bore the name of the area but was renamed in 2004 to honour the former president of South Africa. The square has become a tourist attraction due to the presence of a 6-meter-high statue of Mandela. The statue was sculpted by Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane. It weighs two and a half tons and measures 2.3 meters across. It was unveiled at the renaming of the square, to celebrate ten years of democracy in South Africa.

Sandton City itself is a municipal shopping centre with a number of global chain stores and restaurants. North of the city centre, it is accessible via the Gautrain local rail network from the city centre. It first opened in 1973 and underwent an extensive renovation project in 2008. The plaza was added to the complex in 1994. This was also the first year of Mandela’s presidency; he ruled South Africa from 1994 to 1999, having been imprisoned from 1962 to 1990. Mandela was first arrested in Soweto, Johannesburg’s notorious district which black South Africans were forcibly moved to under apartheid. He was also briefly imprisoned in Johannesburg Fort’s hospital, before moving to Robben Island.

Why You Should Visit:
The best venue to visitors for all purposes in Jo'burg, with convenient access from the international airport & offices in town, and the most exclusive restaurants and retail shops.

Tip:
If you're looking for photo opportunities, you'll have a good start in this location.
Don't expect to dine on the cheap, though – that's what the food court inside the mall is for.