With tributes pouring in worldwide, Londoners lay flowers by a statue of the anti-apartheid icon, yards away from the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square.
The people of Brixton are still paying their respects to the former South African President, with a number of books of condolence being set up around the area.
Lambeth’s mayor, Cllr Mark Bennett has opened a book of remembrance at the Town Hall, Brixton which remains open for members of the community to pay their respects to Mr Mandela’s family.
Cllr Peck said: “This is a sad day for the world – we have lost one of our heroes. The adoration with which he was met when he came to Brixton speaks volumes of his importance not just in ending Apartheid in South Africa but his status here in Lambeth as a symbol of hope, of possibility and of courage.”
Black Cultural Archives have set up a tribute wall in Windrush Square, inviting people to come and express their sympathies through post-it notes on the wall (pictured above). The Square also plays host to a memorial plaque consecrating the Sharpeville massacre in March, 1960 killing a reported 69 people and injuring 180 others in South Africa.
Tributes are also being made at Brixton Recreation Centre where well-wishers have the chance to sign the book of condolence.
Paul Reid was among the crowds to greet Mr Mandela in 1996 and is now is director of the Black Cultural Archives Centre, which celebrated work beginning on its new home in Brixton’s Windrush Square on Saturday June 8. He said: “The importance of black culture in Lambeth cannot be overstated and Nelson Mandela’s visit here in 1996 and the celebration it caused among locals young and old inspires us to this day.”
There is also a Mandela Road adjoining Vassall Road located in SW9.
If you know of any more tribute spots, or anything being done to express sympathy to the family, please do get in touch.
