The family of Nelson Mandela are in Liverpool next week

Liverpool is set to welcome the family of revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela when they arrive in the city next week.

The former President’s eldest daughter Dr Makaziwe ‘Maki’ Mandela and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela, will spend three days in Liverpool (Monday to Wednesday).

Their first engagement will see them head to Princes Park on the 11 February to give their blessing to the location where a permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela will stand.

They will be joined by Mayor Joe Anderson and local charity Mandela8, which commissioned the memorial, and take part in a special ceremony which will officially start the work onsite.

The family will also be given a tour of where the new ‘Freedom Bridge’ will be located, a planned pavilion and 32 cylindrical stoneworks inscribed with inspirational Mandela quotes. The pedestals represent the oil drums Mandela used to grow an allotment on the rooftop of Pollsmoor Prison.

Nelson Mandela

The work reflects upon Mandela’s love of gardens and horticulture along with his struggle for freedom, equality and humanity. The spaces will be used for future activity in the park, acting as a focal point and an area to visit, reflect and educate.

Dr Maki and Tukwini will also meet with one of memorial designers Thomas Kendall from Wayward – an award-winning design practice that connects art, landscape, community and nature. He will talk through the designs commissioned by Mandela8.

The family members will spend their remaining time in Liverpool visiting a number of community projects, including the Steve Biko Housing Association, taking part in a special community event in L8, being the guests of honour at civic reception in the Town Hall and heading to Bellerive FCJ Catholic College for an assembly.

They will also head to St George’s Hall to see the limited edition ‘Struggles Collection’ prints Nelson Mandela created and Dr Maki gifted to the city in March last year when Mandela8 visited South Africa. The artwork is on permanent display in the Hall.

On Tuesday 12 February, Dr Maki will lead a special, sold-out lecture at the Martin Luther King Building. EntitledUnity: what that meant to Nelson Mandela.

Their visit will end on 13 February with a Mandela8 TUC fundraiser in recognition of the Mandela’s visit to Liverpool.

Go to the website here for more information or to book tickets.

The three days have been organised by Mandela8, in partnership with Liverpool City Council.