Welcome to the official platform for the
Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre
African Architectural Design Competition,
an African design challenge that invites architects and visionaries from across Africa to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela through the design of an exceptional architectural intervention.
Through a Two – Stage Architectural Competition, eligible participants are asked to submit ideas and find architectural expression towards a Memorial for Nelson Mandela and new School of Public Governance for the University of Cape Town Upper Campus on the slopes of Table Mountain.
The competition will officially launch on 24 November 2025, with full details, registration information, submission guidelines and jury will be made available here.
Competition at a Glance:
- Two-Stage African Design Competition
- Open to Registered Architects across Africa registered with National Architectural Institutes affiliated with the African Union of Architects
- A space to honour, educate, and inspire future generations
- Anonymous submission process ensuring integrity and fairness
- Launching:
- A project for the University of Cape Town Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance
- Endorsed by the South African Institute of Architects and administered by Lemon Pebble Architects and Urban Designers
Competition Intent
The primary intent of the competition is for the procurement of the Architectural Services toward the implementation of a building to be outlined in a Two–Stage Brief.
The competition would like to promote design excellence with the focus that the best quality design would be the winning outcome. The intention is to open the competition to the widest field of participants within Africa, encouraging untested and young entrants to respond.
The Architectural Competition is an opportunity to build relationships across Africa and explore more cross continental partnerships for architects, architectural practices and institutions.
Eligibility
The competition is open to entities or individuals who are registered and in good standing with their National Architectural Institute that is recognised, and in good standing, with the African Union of Architects. A list of recognised Architectural Institutes and their country is available HERE. Individual participants may also be registered through their Regional Architectural Institutes.
Pan-African Competition
The decision to open the architectural competition for the Nelson Mandela UCT School of Governance to entrants from across Africa is deeply rooted in both history and principle as the UCT Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance is a pan-African project, dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, justice, and accountable governance throughout Africa.
During the anti-apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela was the first to acknowledge the unwavering support of African countries, through whose shared struggles toward independence offered refuge, resources, and unwavering solidarity toward his liberation was a victory shared by all of Africa. It is therefore fitting that a living memorial in his name welcomes contributions from across the continent.
By drawing on architectural talent from across the continent, the competition invites designs informed by diverse lived experiences and visions of governance that resonate widely.
Opening the competition Africa-wide is a declaration of inclusion. It affirms Mandela’s legacy as a pan-African leader and invites shared ownership of the values he championed. Through this collaborative approach, the resulting architectural intervention should stand not only as a national symbol but as a continental one – a lasting expression of justice, unity, and transformation in Africa.
Competition Administrators
Lemon Pebble Architects and Urban Designers have been appointed by the University of Cape Town (UCT) to oversee and administrator the competition that aligns with the guidelines set up by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) partnering with the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) as one of its regional bodies.
Partners
A Place of Reflection. A Place of Hope.
A Centre for the World.
Be part of this historic journey.