The 10th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa from July 25-27, is currently underway with a variety of celebratory activities being held at the nearby Nelson Mandela Square since the summit coincides with the former president’s birthday celebration festivities.

The Square, originally named Sandton Square, was first opened to the public in 1994. On its 10th anniversary in 2004, the square was officially changed to its current name after the unveiling of a 6-meter-high bronze statue of Mandela.

To commemorate his legacy, the United Nations has officially declared his birthday on July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition of his fight for freedom, dignity and human rights. 

People in South Africa have held a variety of activities to commemorate Mandela’s achievements in this rainbow nation.

Reporters from People’s Daily app will show you the brief history and landmarks of, and recent activities at the Nelson Mandela Square, please follow our footsteps and explore the charm and significance of this square. 

(Special thanks to Zuqhame Matutu, Destination Management Officer of Joburg Tourism, South Africa, who has shared his knowledge of Nelson Mandela Square.)