Sir Alex backs campaign for Mandela statue in city
SIR Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to the campaigning spirit of Glasgow’s people as he launched a campaign for a statue to honour Nelson Mandela in the city.
The Govan-born former Manchester United boss has been named a Patron of the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF), which was launched yesterday, 24 years to the day that the anti-apartheid revolutionary was made a Freeman of the City of Glasgow.
The foundation aims to raise funds through public donation to erect a statue of the former President of South Africa, who died in 2013, in the street that bears his name, Nelson Mandela Place. Sir Alex met Mandela on three occasions, including at his home home on his 88th birthday.
He said: “The remarkable thing about Nelson Mandela was his complete lack of bitterness at being imprisoned for 27 years.
“You have to be special to put to one side what he endured and suffered for over a quarter of a century and then go on to lead his country to democracy and influence his people in such a massive way. Nelson Mandela was special. An example for the world to follow.
“For decades the ordinary people of Glasgow have played a terrific role in the anti-apartheid movement and as a Freeman of this great city I am proud to play my part in this campaign to honour a very special man.”
Sir Alex was speaking at the launch of the NMSMF’s fund raising campaign at Glasgow City Chambers.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost and NMSMF Patron, Councillor Eva Bolander, said: “It was 24 years ago today – on the 9th of October 1993 – the late, great Nelson Mandela came to Glasgow to receive his award of Freeman of the City of Glasgow and of eight other cities and boroughs across the United Kingdom.
“I’m proud to say, Glasgow was the first city in the world to award him this honour. Glasgow has continued to play a prominent and steadfast role in the struggle to see Mandela, and others, released; and to end apartheid.”
The Lord Provost and Sir Alex were joined by NMSMF chair and honorary consul for South Africa in Scotland, Mr Brian Filling, who organised Mandela’s visit to Scotland in 1993 and was a guest at his inauguration as president of the Republic of South Africa in 1994.
He said: “In our opinion Nelson Mandela Place is historically, politically and functionally the ideal location to site a statue of Mandela.”
