More than a decade after his passing, Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy of peace and justice is still celebrated worldwide, a sentiment powerfully echoed by his daughter, Dr. Makaziwe "Maki" Mandela-Amuah. In a recent tribute to Homerton, she expressed deep appreciation for the installation of her father's bust, crafted by Homerton College alumna Jo Standeven.
"I would like to send a message of appreciation that my father's bust will be held at Cambridge, and I’m glad that 14 years after my father has passed away, people around the world still remember him for his fight for justice, for peace, for freedom, for a more inclusive, for a more diverse and inclusive world," Dr. Mandela-Amuah stated. She hopes that the sculpture serves as a reminder that "there is good in all of us and that it is our responsibility and our accountability to contribute to make this world truly a peaceful and harmonious and better world."
The bust was created by Jo Standeven, a former student of Homerton College, whose personal journey and artistic talent led her to sculpt the celebrated leader. Jo, whose early ambitions included teaching and caring for her brother who has a hearing disability, developed her passion for sculpture at Homerton. "When I got to Homerton, they told me to choose whatever subject I liked. I chose sculpture; it was very therapeutic," Jo shared.
Jo’s connection to Mandela grew in the 1990s, sparked by his visit to Essex University. This inspired her to capture his likeness in clay, a material she first toyed with during her student days. "I wanted to do justice to him; that’s the challenge—very positive experience—stems from his amazing personality," she reflected on the endeavour.
Jo’s work now stands as a symbol of Mandela's lasting impact, positioned in a place of learning where it can continue to inspire action toward justice and understanding among new generations.
