Welcome to the official platform for the
UCT Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition
an African design challenge that invites architects 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 design competition, eligible participants are asked to submit ideas and find architectural expression towards a ‘living memorial’ to honour Nelson Mandela, as well as a new School of Public Governance for the University of Cape Town, on the university’s upper campus, on the slopes of Table Mountain.
The competition will officially open for registration on 25 June 2026, and full details, registration information, submission guidelines and jury will be made available here.
Competition at a Glance:
- A two-Stage African Architectural Design Competition
- A project for the University of Cape Town Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Governance
- A space to honour, educate, and inspire future generations
- Endorsed by the South African Institute of Architects, in partnership with the Africa Union of Architects (AUA)
- Open to architects across Africa registered with their respective institutes affiliated with the African Union of Architects
- Anonymous submission process ensuring integrity and fairness
- Administered on behalf of the University of Cape Town by Lemon Pebble Architects and Urban Designers
- A site visit is not compulsory for registration or submissions. The site will be publicly accessible to those who wish to visit
- Registration opens 25 June 2026
An Invitation to Design a Living Memorial for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Competition Intent
The primary intent of the competition is for the procurement of architectural services, toward the design 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 design competition is an opportunity to build relationships across Africa and explore pan-African 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 respective national architectural institute, or professional association, which is recognised and in good standing with the Africa Union of Architects. In South Africa, SACAP registration is also accepted. A list of recognised architectural institutes is available HERE.
Pan-African Competition
The decision to open the architectural design competition for the proposed UCT Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public 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 deliberate, ambitious 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. It is therefore deemed appropriate 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. 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 commissioned by the University of Cape Town (UCT) to administer and manage the competition in terms of the guidelines for architectural design competitions by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA).
