On 18 July, South Africans will unite to honour Madiba, the first democratically elected president of the country, who spent 27 years in prison fighting for equality. The government calls on every citizen to join a nationwide programme aimed at making a difference in their communities on Nelson Mandela International Day. Inspired by Mandela’s legacy and the United Nations recognition of this day, people are encouraged to lend their hands to combat poverty and help change the world. It’s still in our hands to carry forward his vision through action, unity, and even a simple choice to donate.
Image Source: http://leadwithhumanity.co.za/
On the 18th, everyone will dedicate 67 minutes of their time to helping the less fortunate in their communities, representing the 67 years Mandela served our country. Dedicate time out of your day to tell us about someone in your community who really deserves a day out. Like the nurse who works overtime, or the aunt who’s always available no matter the time of day, and the granny down the street taking care of all the children in the neighbourhood, the teacher who goes all out for the kids, or just someone who’s really struggling right now.
These are the everyday heroes who deserve a trip onboard the City Sightseeing Red Bus.
Image Source: Constitution Hill
Book your red bus ticket online on Nelson Mandela Day to walk in his footsteps. Take a trip across Johannesburg with us, and we’ll recommend a few of our best Nelson Mandela-related spots for you to hop off at.
As South Africa celebrates 31 years of freedom and democracy, Mandela Month 2025 gives us a special chance to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. Hop on in the month of July and take a journey through Johannesburg, where we’ll guide you to key stops that mark Nelson Mandela’s incredible story — from his time as a sentenced freedom fighter to becoming the first democratically elected president of South Africa and forming the Government of National Unity.
The South African government, through GCIS and the Presidency, invites all to mark Nelson Mandela’s life by joining a global movement dedicated to changing the world for the better. Whether you’re local or visiting, this initiative provides us with an opportunity to honour the legacy of the late champion of reconciliation and constitutional democracy. Take action this July and make every day a Mandela Day.
Keep your map and timetable on hand to know just when and where to hop on and hop off.
Hop off the bus at STOP 5 for the interchange point from one route to the next, but also to find Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill stands as a memorial to the events of Apartheid and the victims who endured them. It gives visitors a look into our present and our future and speaks of the respect we owe our fellow man.
Constitution Hill has housed many famous prisoners over the years, including Gandhi, Winnie Mandela, and Nelson Mandela himself. The Fort, the Woman’s Prison, Number 4, and parts the Awaiting Trial Block still remain today to be explored. Visitors can also see the Constitution Court, which has been built from the bricks that made up the Awaiting Trial Block, to signify our transition into democracy and victory over the past.
Image Source: Culture Trip
Hop on the bus again to head to STOP 14, where you’ll find the Apartheid Museum. It stands as a testament to the struggles of Apartheid and takes you on a journey through the years, right up until the process of reconciliation.
It’s an emotional journey, providing insight into the everyday lives of South Africans as they lived under the harsh rules of Apartheid, and documents their struggles to free themselves from this state-enforced system of oppression and segregation. The museum houses 22 exhibitions, and by the end of the museum experience, visitors are encouraged to take a stone from a pile on the right and add it to the pile on the left, signifying their pledge to fight against racism or discrimination wherever they see it.
Image source: City Sightseeing
The good news is you don’t have to travel far for this next attraction. Head back to STOP 13 to transfer to our Soweto minibus shuttle. This is your chance to go out on a guided tour of Soweto, from the iconic Orlando Towers to one of the largest hospitals in the world, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
But the main attraction on our Soweto tour for Mandela Day is definitely Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived. You can visit the house where Nelson Mandela lived with his wife. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are just one of the many heroes to come out of Soweto. Soweto is famous for its past residents who stood up against the Apartheid regime, making it the strong community that it is today.
Make sure to buy your bus and soweto tour combo tickets online to gain access to the tour, which lasts for 2 hours.
Image source: http://www.gautengfilm.org.za/
Book your Red Bus tickets online to visit all our favourite prominent Nelson Mandela attractions. We live his legacy every day in our freedom and unity, and for one day we can live as he had, in service of others, striving to better the lives of his fellow man.
This winter, take advantage of City Sightseeing Johannesburg’s family-friendly specials and turn your day into a meaningful outing for all ages. The Young Explorers Winter Special offers a full day on the Red Tour route with hotel shuttle access, where adults pay R299 and kids pay R49. For families, the Winter Family Package is a great option—two adults and two children can enjoy the tour together for only R675. These specials run from 1 May to 12 September, making it the perfect time to explore the city while commemorating Mandela’s legacy with the whole family.
Book Tickets Now!
