Nelson Mandela (Madiba) was the first Black president of South Africa, elected after 27 years in prison for his non-violent anti-apartheid work. He was also the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

This artwork denotes a tapestry of wise words imparted by Madiba. He influenced great change in South Africa through his powerful words and unselfish deeds, and this artwork is a tribute to his humanity and compassion.

Each block represents inspirational words he used in different speeches. They are all stitched together with strong, blue thread. The frame is made up of traditional colours and shapes found in Xhosa beads and fabric. The background photograph was taken on Van Reenen’s Pass. It is on the route you take when you are travelling from Gauteng to Qunu in the Eastern Cape province (the birthplace of Nelson Mandela).

Woman: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression” Parliament Speech, 8 May 1994

Nelson Mandela heart: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” Written on Robben Island, 1 January 1976

Acacia tree (indigenous to SA): “Each time one of us touches the soil of this land, we feel a sense of personal renewal. … We are moved by a sense of joy and exhilaration when the grass turns green and the flowers bloom.” Inauguration Speech, 10 May 1994

African Continent: “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.” Rivonia Trial, 20 April 1964

uRonta (traditional Xhosa hut): “Home is home even for those who aspire to serve wider interests and who have established their home of choice in distant regions.” From his novel “Conversations with Myself”

Tribal pots: “That our government has made significant progress in bringing potable water nearer to so many more people than was previously the case, I rate amongst the most important achievements of democracy in our country” – “No Water, No Future” speech on August 28, 2002