Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square at a Glance#

Address: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Maude St, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

Website: https://www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za/

Hours: Public square open daily; individual shops and restaurants have varying hours

About Nelson Mandela Square#

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.

Autumn-Spring

Mar-Oct · 10-24°C (50-75°F)

Mild, pleasant weather for walking and outdoor dining.

Summer

Nov-Feb · 18-30°C (64-86°F)

Warmer and occasionally stormy; expect afternoon showers.

Weather & Climate near Nelson Mandela Square#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 111 Unhealthy (Sg)

Best Time to Visit

JulySeptemberMay

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

39°

Warmest Month

-5°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Very Good	15° - 26°	21°	136 mm	partly cloudy	65%	2.6 m/s	2.9 extreme	13.5h
February	Very Good	15° - 26°	20°	95 mm	partly cloudy	64%	2.4 m/s	2.6 extreme	12.9h
March	Very Good	13° - 25°	19°	95 mm	partly cloudy	63%	2.1 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.1h
April	Very Good	10° - 22°	16°	52 mm	some cloud	62%	2.0 m/s	1.6 very high	11.3h
May	Excellent	6° - 20°	13°	14 mm	mostly sunny	54%	2.1 m/s	1.1 high	10.7h
June	Excellent	2° - 17°	9°	7 mm	clear	55%	2.3 m/s	0.9 moderate	10.4h
July	Excellent	2° - 17°	9°	3 mm	clear	49%	2.1 m/s	1.0 moderate	10.5h
August	Excellent	5° - 20°	12°	7 mm	clear	44%	2.5 m/s	1.3 high	11.1h
September	Excellent	9° - 23°	16°	27 mm	mostly sunny	39%	3.2 m/s	1.7 very high	11.8h
October	Excellent	11° - 24°	18°	72 mm	some cloud	48%	3.0 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.6h
November	Very Good	13° - 25°	19°	109 mm	partly cloudy	57%	2.9 m/s	2.6 extreme	13.3h
December	Very Good	14° - 26°	20°	118 mm	partly cloudy	63%	2.8 m/s	2.8 extreme	13.6h