Madiba Sculpture Strengthens Meaningful Partnerships

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer took 67 minutes of his time on Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July 2013, to deliver a message of hope at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. The museum has been home to a sculpture of Nelson Mandela, unveiled last year.

The life-size, laser-welded bust was designed by noted German sculptor Mr Tom Rucker. Dr Meyer said Nelson Mandela International Day is a great day for celebrating the life and work of an icon and the mutually beneficial Bavaria-Western Cape partnership. This regional government partnership began in 1995 with the signing of an agreement by the Western Cape Premier and the Minister-President of Bavaria.

“We need to keep this partnership strong in remembrance of Madiba. This unique and precious sculpture encapsulates all he stands for – a pure mind, a rare vision and an eternal spirit,” said the Minister.

Mr Rucker was happy to have shown his sculpture on this special day. “It means to world to me to unveil the sculpture to the public, as it inspires people. It’s also good to hear that Madiba is recovering in hospital,” he said. This week Rucker has been at the College of Cape Town teaching jewellery design students how to design and build laser-welded sculptures.

Students and teachers who visited the museum on the day had an unforgettable experience. Stellenbosch art and Dutch teacher Ms Christine Maree said she was grateful for the opportunity to see the sculpture. “It’s a special piece of artwork, it tells a story. I’m so glad my learners experienced this,” she said. The event was a milestone in the Western Cape-Bavaria partnership and an important way of uniting people on Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday.