Named after Nelson: Tracing the threads of graphic heritage in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Places named after prominent figures like Nelson Mandela symbolise their legacies and shared values, offering an opportunity to learn about their lives and impact on society. In this article, we explore the concept of "graphic heritage" - a term that extends beyond physical markers to include theoretical understandings that enhance our knowledge of and experience with these places. Employing a "constructionist" perspective, we view the meanings associated with these places as constructed through individual interpretations. Working alongside the Nelson Mandela Foundation, our research focuses on six locations named after Nelson Mandela in Gauteng, South Africa. These sites are part of the Nelson Mandela Foundation's mission to promote a just society by preserving Mandela's legacy and fostering dialogue on social issues. Using photographic documentation inspired by Zeisel's "Design by Inquiry" framework, we examine the dynamic interplay between graphic heritage, toponymy (the study of place names), and topophilia (the emotional bond between people and places). The narrative weaves through the historical contexts and temporal dimensions of these places, enriching our understanding of Mandela's extensive influence. It identifies thematic threads that link graphic heritage with place names and emotional connections to places, concluding that an in-depth study of graphic heritage illuminates what is present and absent, revealing the profound layers of storytelling in design.