Torus is proudly sponsoring this year’s Mandela8 celebration which will see the Mandela family return to Liverpool.

Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter, Dr Makaziwe ‘Maki’ Mandela, and granddaughter, Tukwini Mandela will be visiting the city to make their mark on a permanent memorial to the South African revolutionary and former President.

The pair will also take part in a series of events to celebrate Nelson Mandela, including A Freedom Festival in Princes Park with live music performances and community workshops. This free event is taking place on Saturday 23 July from 12:30 – 5:30pm. More details on this, and the full list of events, can be found on the Liverpool Express website.

Dr Maki and Tukwini Mandela said:  

“We hold a special place in our hearts for Liverpool and its people, and we are really excited to return to see the memorial being made and be involved in a range of special events to celebrate our father and grandfather’s legacy.  It is really important that now, more than ever, hope and aspiration is a key part of the legacy we continue to fulfil. We want to share that message with Liverpool when we visit.” 

Cath Murray-Howard, Chief Operating Officer from Torus Group said:

“Torus is proud to be associated with such a seminal event, Mandela8 has for many years been a close partner as so many of our tenants live in the area. The Torus Foundation, based in the FireFit Hub, Toxteth will support all the celebratory events by working with all colleagues on many wonderful activities.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said: 

“It will be a real honour to meet Dr Maki and Tukwini in person and spend some time with a family so committed to achieving equality and devoting their lives to peace.

“They have a strong affinity with Liverpool and they are keen to be involved as work on the memorial progresses, and their visit gives us the chance to re-emphasise our solidarity and support to the Mandela legacy.

“The city council has been working closely with Mandela8 for a number of years and it will be wonderful to see work on elements of the memorial take shape in what will be a lasting tribute to Nelson Mandela’s unforgettable humanitarian achievements.”

Sonia Bassey, Mandela8 Chair said: 

“Mandela8 is absolutely delighted to host Dr Maki and Tukwini  Mandela again after so long.  We are really looking forward to showing them around our wonderful city again and making sure they get to meet as many people as possible this time.  We have arranged a fantastic programme to celebrate their return and the making of our memorial.”