Madiba graces campus

Sculpted: (From left) Dr Max Price, Dr John Gardner, Sarah Holland (Gardner's sister), and British Consul General Christopher Trott witnessed the installation of the bust of Madiba.

New Zealand-based alumnus and world-renowned sculptor Dr John Francis Gardner has donated a valuable bronze bust of former president Nelson Mandela to UCT. The 30kg bust, which rests on a plinth made of sandstone from Naboomspruit, was presented by Gardner to the vice-chancellor, Dr Max Price, during his visit to New Zealand recently. The bust has now been installed at Otto Beit building on upper campus.

Gardner has created busts of a number of prominent public figures, including former president FW de Klerk, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Helen Suzman and John Kani. He is currently working on three series of busts: Legends of Africa, Legends of the World, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.