A memorial to Nelson Mandela in Liverpool has been vandalised.
Graffiti was daubed over the tribute to the late South African president in Princes Park for a second time since its official unveiling in summer 2023.
Mandela’s daughter Dr Makaziwe Mandela and granddaughter Tukwini Mandela visited the city for the commemoration by Mandela8, a local charity.
The memorial consists of 32 cylindrical pillars that represented the 16 oil drums that Mandela cut in half to use as planters while under incarceration.
He was awarded the Freedom of Liverpool in 1994 in recognition of the city’s strong support for the anti-apartheid movement in his fractured homeland.
Mandela8 chair Sonia Bassey confirmed that police are looking into the incident, which took place a year after race riots broke out across the UK.
She said: “The damage was noticed on Sunday morning by Friends of Princes Park.
“To wake on the anniversary of the race riots that took place in the city last year to discover the Nelson Mandela memorial had once again been vandalised, just reminds us how important the memorial is as a focal point for education.
“This type of behaviour isn’t just mindless vandalism, this behaviour reflects a deeper issue in society about values and lack of respect for public spaces.
“There are many memorials to Nelson Mandela around the world, yet interestingly, the ones in the UK, here and London, are the only ones I am aware of that have ever been vandalised. What does that say about the UK?”
“The damage has been reported to the police and CCTV is currently being reviewed to try and identify who did this.
“This type of behaviour is wrong, but will not deter us. The memorial is scheduled to be cleaned and any damage repaired.
“Mandela’s fight was for dignity, unity, and human rights, and this most recent act reminds us of how much the memorial and education around these issues is needed now more than ever.
“The Mandela Memorial is a sacred space and deserves to be treated as such.”.