THE singer who performed on stage during Nelson Mandela’s visit to Glasgow is to return to the city later this month.
Marah Louw, who sang and danced in George Square with the former South African president, will sing at a Centenary Gala fundraising dinner.
It’s being held by The Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF) to raise money for a statue to the revolutionary leader in Glasgow.
Brian Filling, NMSMF Chair and Honorary Consul for South Africa said: “We are delighted that Marah can make it to Scotland.
“It was Marah who sang and danced with Mandela in Glasgow’s George Square in 1993, when Mandela received his Freedom of Glasgow and eight other UK cities.
“We hope to recall that most special occasion when Mandela ‘danced in the square’ before thousands of well-wishers and anti-apartheid supporters.”
Nelson Mandela centenary: The South African revolutionary that had strong links to Scotland
The charity dinner takes place on August 24, and other guests at the event will include Lord Provost of Glasgow Eva Bolander, TV auctioneer Anita Manning, South Africa’s High Commissioner Nomatemba Tambo, actor Dave Anderson and journalist David Pratt.
Mr Filling added: “The NMSMF’s major early objective is to raise the funds – by public donation – to erect a statue of Mandela in Glasgow, and to do so in the street that bears his name, Nelson Mandela Place.”
Planning permission has been granted by the city council for the statue, and an open competition will be held to select the design and sculptor.
Glasgow was the first city in the world to award Mandela, who would have turned 100 earlier this year, the freedom of the city.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of his visit to Glasgow.
On October 9, 1993, he accepted the freedom of the city, speaking in George Square to a crowd of thousands and promoting a message of peace.
In the pouring rain, he said: “While we were physically denied our freedom in the country of our birth, a city 6,000 miles away, and as renowned as Glasgow, refused to accept the legitimacy of the apartheid system, and declared us to be free.”
Patrons of the NMSMF charity include Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Billy Connolly and Sunday Post columnist Sir Kenny Dalglish.
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