Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi and other senior officials tour the newly‑refurbished Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where fresh walkways, upgraded exhibits and a full spruce‑up are set to welcome tourists this summer. Pictures Credits: KZN Tourism & Film
By Duncan Mnisi
KwaZulu-Natal – The historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick is receiving its most extensive makeover in years, just in time for the summer holiday rush.
The iconic heritage site — where Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 before beginning his long journey toward becoming South Africa’s first democratic president — has been fitted with upgraded walkways, modernised exhibition panels, and a refreshed outdoor environment. The improvements are designed to accommodate a surge in both local and international visitors this festive season.
Speaking at the site, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi said the upgrades reflect a strong commitment to preserving Mandela’s legacy.
“This renovation shows our dedication to honouring Madiba while making the site more accessible and engaging for everyone who comes to learn about our history,” he said. “We want more people to experience the story of our nation’s struggle first-hand.”
KZN Tourism Authority (KZNTA) Chair Dr Sibusiso Ndebele emphasised the economic benefits of the revamp.
“The Capture Site is a cornerstone of KwaZulu-Natal’s heritage tourism,” he noted. “By upgrading these facilities, we are not only honouring Mandela, but also creating jobs and boosting the local economy as visitors flock to the site this summer.”
Provincial MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Rev Musa Zondi, welcomed the collaborative nature of the project.
“This is what happens when government, heritage bodies and communities work together,” he said. “We are giving history a glow-up that will inspire future generations.”
Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Janis Holmes, added that the refresh will help bring Mandela’s story to life “in a way that is both respectful and exciting for today’s visitors.”
The refurbishment includes new interpretive displays that feature audio-visual storytelling to illustrate Mandela’s arrest and role in the struggle against apartheid. A revamped café and expanded parking area are also being finalised, with completion expected before the peak December–January tourist period.
Local residents have praised the upgrades, saying the changes make the site more welcoming and help showcase KwaZulu-Natal’s rich heritage to the world.
