FUNDRAISING for a statue of Nelson Mandela in Glasgow has been stepped up on the 30th anniversary of his release from prison.
Several patrons of the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF) are backing the drive for the final £30,000 needed to build the tribute.
A total of £70,000 has already been raised and it is hoped the remaining sum will be pledged between today’s anniversary and United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18.
Brian Filling, chair of the NMSMF and honorary consul for South Africa in Scotland, was instrumental in bringing Mandela to Glasgow in 1993 to accept the freedom of the city.
He said: “Fundraising so far has included major events but also individual donations and initiatives like kilt walks and birthday and retirement donations.
“We have made major strides in setting up an education programme for schools and with this new five-month drive, we will be within shouting distance of at last making the statue a reality.
“While Mr Mandela was in prison, many ordinary people in Scotland organised and acted to make sure the world would know about him and the fight against Apartheid.
“That’s why we want today’s generation to join us in raising the funds to make this statue one that they can see as theirs - a ‘people’s statue’ that they can call their own and to remind future generations of the key part Scotland played in taking action for human rights and challenging racism, and on taking action for a better world.”
Glasgow was the first to offer Mandela freedom of the city. The prospective statue would be placed at Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre, renamed in 1986 because it was home to the Glasgow South African Consulate. It is also close to George Square, where Mandela addressed crowds during his visit seven years later.
Sir Alex Ferguson, a patron of the campaign who met Mandela on three occasions, said: “Nelson Mandela was special. An example for the world to follow.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel