Nelson Mandela Square
Square Commercial square in Sandton with iconic Mandela statue
Urban plaza in Sandton, Johannesburg known for its oversized Nelson Mandela statue, restaurants, and upscale shopping; popular for dining and photography.
Nelson Mandela Square is a public square in the Sandton district of Johannesburg, South Africa, adjacent to the Sandton City shopping centre. It is best known for its large bronze statue of Nelson Mandela.
The square was developed as part of the Sandton commercial redevelopment and was named in honour of Nelson Mandela; the bronze statue was installed and unveiled in 2004 as a commemorative feature.
Nelson Mandela Square sits in Sandton, a major business and commercial hub north of central Johannesburg, and is readily reached from the Sandton Gautrain station and surrounding arterial roads.
- Statue date and size: The bronze statue was unveiled in 2004 and is the primary attraction on the square for photographs and public commemoration.
- When to go: The square is part of the Sandton commercial precinct and is busiest in the evening when restaurants and bars are active.
What to See #
- Nelson Mandela statue: A 6-metre bronze statue of Nelson Mandela that stands as the square's focal point and is a frequent photo stop for visitors.
- Sandton City and dining precinct: The adjacent Sandton City shopping centre and dining precinct that surround the square and provide retail, restaurants, and evening activity.
How to Get to Nelson Mandela Square #
Sandton is accessible by Gautrain from Johannesburg Park Station (transfer at Marlboro); the Gautrain Sandton Station is a short taxi or 10-15 minute walk from the square. Driving and metered taxis are also common ways to reach the area.
Tips for Visiting Nelson Mandela Square #
- Visit at golden hour for the best photographic light on the Nelson Mandela statue and the surrounding square.
- Combine the visit with a walk through Sandton City mall for dining and people‑watching options.
- Watch for traffic in the area - the square fronts a busy commercial district and pedestrian crossings can be crowded.
Best Time to Visit Nelson Mandela Square #
Best visited during the South African autumn and spring when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor strolling and photography.
Weather & Climate near Nelson Mandela Square #
Nelson Mandela Square's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (735 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
