Nelson Mandela Square and the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square
Nelson Mandela Square opens off Sandton City shopping mall, a world-class centre to which tourists and locals flock for some of the best shopping in Africa. A major drawcard to the bustling, cosmopolitan square is the 6m high statue of Nelson Mandela that stands proudly in this public space.
The statue was unveiled and the square renamed on March 31, 2004 to celebrate the first decade of South African democracy. Since then, the square has almost become a shrine where people remember Madiba’s tireless, selfless efforts for peace and reconciliation. Barely a visitor leaves without having his picture taken next to this iconic statue.l
Sandton Square, Johannesberg. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority.
The large, open space of the square means it can be utilised in various ways. It has served as a venue for musical performances and Christmas carolling, corporates have set up marquees to host functions on the square – it has even been transformed into an ice-rink.
A large choice of restaurants borders the square – one can eat traditional cuisine or seafood, dine in authentic Greek or Thai eateries, enjoy pizza or indulge in some fine dining at a first-rate steakhouse.
The square is busy in the daytime, when children run around the central fountains; in the evening it has a special charm when strings of light twinkle as the glitzy and glamorous Sandton set comes out to play.
The luxurious Michelangelo Hotel overlooks the square and, if you aren’t lucky enough to be staying in five-star style, you can still have a drink in the cocktail bar and relax in the sumptuous Il Ritrovo lounge.
Tucked away at the end of the square you will find the Old Mutual Theatre, an intimate 200-seat venue that has entertained patrons with great shows for nearly a decade and a half. The theatre has hosted more than 100 productions and is home to a youth theatre training programme in the performing arts.
The Theatre on the Square adds an exciting dimension to the performing arts in Gauteng. While most of the province’s top theatres stage evening performances, the Theatre on the Square also caters for busy office workers. It offers lunch-hour entertainment, including comedy, short plays and musicals, and industrial and children’s theatre. The venue is ideal for corporate events such as year-end functions, concerts and parties.
For those visiting in the evening – treat yourself to live entertainment before dining under the stars.
Admission
Free entry to the square; theatre ticket prices vary
Visiting hours
Trading hours: Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 18h00 Sunday and public holidays from 10h00 to 16h00. Restaurants and the theatre trade later
Directions
From Johannesburg take the N1 north towards Pretoria. Take the Grayston Drive off-ramp and turn left at the robot. Take the left fork down next to the bridge and turn left at the traffic light onto Katherine Street. At Fifth Street, turn right and continue until the Rivonia Road intersection. Nelson Mandela Square is on the opposite right corner of the intersection; parking is over the intersection, to your right.