Over 120 years ago, the world’s richest gold field was discovered in Sandton. Today, Sandton is one of Johannesburg’s most affluent areas and the most important business and financial district in South Africa. It is rightly known as the richest square mile in Africa. And right in the middle is Nelson Mandela Square, one of the largest open public spaces in the country. The Square is part of Sandton City, the largest retail complex on the continent.

Inspired by European style piazzas, with a cosmopolitan society filling its sidewalk cafes and celebrating international style with warm African hospitality, the Square has some of the finest restaurants in South Africa, over 88 exclusive stores, a triple-storey library, and a 200-seat art-nouveau theatre. The 1,000sqm Square, incredibly popular with locals and international guests, hosts prestigious local and international events.

Flavour, fusion, cultural vibrancy, elegance, and creativity merge in this afro-cosmopolitan space. Under the brilliant African sky, and around clusters of tables, the cosmopolitan atmosphere entices guests with delicious breakfasts, business lunches, and romantic dinners with thick South African steaks, generous Greek platters, real Mediterranean cooking, fine wine and leisurely cappuccinos.

And it all happens around the famous and iconic 6m statue of Nelson Mandela, the first democratic president, and champion of reconciliation, of South Africa which stands in the Square. It was sculpted by Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane. It was the first-ever public statue of Mandela and was unveiled by his eldest granddaughter, Ndileka Mandela, who said, "…we honour Nelson Mandela in this statue…He's not just a grandfather to us, but to the whole nation". It’s a very happy statue, paying tribute to the spirit of joy Nelson Mandela had which is also inherent in the people of South Africa with the ‘Madiba jive’ for which Nelson Mandela was well-known. Having one’s photo taken in front of the statue is popular with tourists and locals alike.