Memorialising Madiba in South Africa

Public spaces named after Nelson Mandela vary significantly in their representation of his legacy, with some providing rich insights into his values and others offering minimal information. This study introduces 'graphic heritage' as a critical tool to analyze material representations in these places, revealing stark contrasts between two urban sites: Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg, and Nelson Mandela Park in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Using Zeisel's design inquiry method—comprising annotated diagrams, observations of physical traces, and photo-documentation—the research demonstrates that the process of place naming not only shapes our understanding of a person but also influences our experience and perception of the space itself. The findings highlight differing levels of access, motivations behind the naming acts, and visual-aesthetic considerations, underscoring the role of graphic heritage in both empirical research and critical inquiry.

Harland, R. G., Burger, Y., Barnes, A., & Burger, E. A. (2022). Memorialising Madiba in South Africa. The Journal of Public Space, 7(1), 17–36. https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v7i1.1571