The world's first commemorative sculpture of Nelson Mandela's trademark shirt style has been unveiled at a South African university to serve as constant reminder of the values and compassion of the anti-apartheid leader.
The three-metre high hand-crafted sculpture named after Mandela was unveiled at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth.
Modelled on one of Mandela's favourite shirts, the Arts Department at the university put together the shirt sculpture from hand-crafted ceramic tiles linked by delicate wirework to simulate the fabric.
The sculpture was intended to be a constant and inspirational reminder of the values of both the institution and Mandela embodied in the African principle of Ubuntu, roughly translating as 'I am because you are', to denote compassion for one's fellowmen, the university statement said.
While there are scores of Mandela statues and busts across the world, this is the first time that a shirt worn by him has become a feature.
The hand-painted silk Madiba Shirts, as they are called after the clan name by which Mandela was affectionately known, come in nine colours signifying the leader's qualities of kindness, friendship, love and bravery.
The shirts, which sell for more than USD 500 each, have been worn by some of the biggest political and business leaders in the world.
The sculpture was selected from three projects vying to be the first in a Garden of Remembrance set up at the university in memory of Beyers Naude, one of the most renowned white Afrikaner activists of the freedom struggle.
The Garden will add more commemorative sculptures in a ten-year programme that aims to highlight public artworks.
The varsity also called for tenders for a Nelson Mandela statue to be erected in its premises.
