In South Africa, there is a common misconception that our collective cultural and historical heritage can only be engaged with through museums, heritage sites, and historical landmarks. However, when we fail to appreciate our heritage, which we unwittingly engage with daily, it limits our perspective. The lenses of graphic heritage and placemaking help us to explore the undiscovered histories in those things considered mundane. What stories – big or small – lie behind the names chosen for our roads, hospitals, and public facilities? How can these names help us learn more about ourselves, our communities and our country?
The Named after Nelson exhibition pop-up (NAN), a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Loughborough University and Tshwane University of Technology through partnerships with Celeste Mackenzie (IIE Vega School), Nkululeko Mthembu (Pista Ventures) and Totem Media, uses graphic heritage to reveal the undiscovered historical and contemporary significance of six sites in Gauteng, a place Nelson Mandela considered home for 44 years. The selected sites for the flagship project are Nelson Mandela Village, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Nelson Mandela Theatre, Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Nelson Mandela Park and Nelson Mandela Square.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge, inaugurated by Nelson Mandela on 20 July 2003 serves as a vital artery in Johannesburg, connecting the bustling business areas of Braamfontein and Newtown. (Alet Pretorius)
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