Nelson Mandela replica statue unveiled for the visually impaired

10th January 2019

Nelson Mandela replica statue unveiled for the visually impaired

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Exarro Resources and the Rotary District 9400 in November unveiled a 1m-tall replica of the famous Nelson Mandela Statue, located in Nelson Mandela Square, in Sandton, in Johannesburg, to allow the visually impaired to touch and “see” the statue in their own way. Tasneem Bulbulia reports.

Tasneem Bulbulia:

The statue is located close to the original and also has a braille plaque for the visually impaired to read.

Liberty Two Degrees, which owns Nelson Mandela Square, is fully supportive of this project, as is the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the South African National Council for the Blind.

The South African National Council for the Blind principal Modiri Matshwane commented at the unveiling.

The South African National Council for the Blind principal Modiri Matshwane:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

The statute was defined and modelled by artist and sculptor Kobus Hattingh, who was also responsible for the original statue. Present at the unveiling, he gave us his thoughts.

Artist And Sculptor Kobus Hattingh:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

 

The idea for the replica statue came about after Rotary Club of Kyalami project leader David Grant travelled to Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2013, and saw a replica statue for the visually impaired next to an original.

 

Rotary 9400 district governor Charles Deiner outlines the replica statue project.  

Rotary 9400 district governor Charles Deiner:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

Rotary Club of Kyalami project leader David Grant also commented:

Rotary Club of Kyalami project leader David Grant:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

At the unveiling, Exarro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo detailed the importance of the statue and Exarro’s participation.

Exarro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.