A new statue of Nelson Mandela was installed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, represent the South African government at the event.
Image: Supplied
Nelson Mandela belonged to South Africa, but his message belonged to the world, Western Cape MEC Ricardo Mackenzie told guests at the unveiling of a sculpture of the iconic statesman at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday
Creating a permanent landmark celebrates the enduring values of South Africa’s global icon. Mackenzie, representing the South African government, emphasised the sculpture's role in building international understanding.
The sculpture, created by Cape Town-based artist Marco Olivier, is intended to serve as a bridge, reminding visitors arriving in Atlanta that South Africa’s story is one of forgiveness, nation-building, and shared humanity.
Olivier is a renowned South African artist and owner of a bronze foundry in Cape Town. He is widely known for his original art in resin and bronze, which are recognised for their unique texture and painted effects.
Mackenzie noted the profound symbolism of the location, one of the world's busiest international gateways. "To gather here, in one of the busiest international gateways in the world, is deeply symbolic," he said. "Airports are places of movement, connection and possibility".
Mackenzie attended the unveiling of Nelson Mandela's statue at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the City of Atlanta.
Image: suppled
The Minister stressed that cultural expression is critical to strengthening global ties, citing the arts as a unique power that transcends borders and languages.
"Cultural diplomacy must become the new gold of international relations, because through culture, heritage and the arts, we build understanding, strengthen human connection and create lasting partnerships between nations," Mackenzie stated.
He said that, as a province, the Western Cape was proud to help strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between South Africa and the United States. "We believe that arts, heritage and culture have the power to build bridges where politics and geography often create distance."
The unveiling also highlighted the deep historical connection between South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and Atlanta’s powerful civil rights legacy as the home of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
"The connection between Dr King and President Mandela reminds us that the pursuit of justice transcends borders and generations," Mackenzie concluded.
Olivier is a renowned South African artist and owner of a bronze foundry in Cape Town. He is widely known for his original art in resin and bronze, which are recognised for their unique texture and painted effects.