The BenchMark Commission, funded by various businesses in the district, uses urban furniture to redefine contemporary public space and create a welcoming environment in Sandton Central. The district has already installed a bespoke Sandton Central, Bowman Gilfillan and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) bench designed by renowned local artists, including Shepherd Nduduzo and Gregor Jenkins.

Taking an out of the ordinary approach, third year Fine Art students from the University of Pretoria will design and manufacture the Nelson Mandela Square bench. "The students approached AAW, the art project management company who runs our Art Programme, for assistance in realizing their work beyond a scale-model. AAW then suggested that we commission the students for the Nelson Mandela Square bench, who jumped at the opportunity of doing things differently. The up and coming artists were divided into groups and invited to come up with a fresh and unique design," explains Cara Reilly, marketing manager of the SCMD.

The winning group – Anne-Marie Bothma and Nicole Heydenrych – took inspiration from the distinctive, skeletal silhouette of the Baobab Tree which is also a prominent feature of the bench. Consisting mainly of sandstone and bronze, the design perfectly complements the Nelson Mandela statue which has given the Square its landmark status.

"The Baobab Tree has acquired meaning and symbolism very similar to what Nelson Mandela symbolizes to many South Africans. Internationally, he represents democracy, a beacon of hope. Similarly, the Baobab Tree is symbolic of tolerance and is valued as a tree endowed with both magical and functional properties. Its stoicism during a long life spent doing good turns to Africa and commands respect, incites imagination and inspires courage, paralleling Mandela's legacy," explains Bothma.

Guy du Toit, an established, local artist, will guide the group through every step – from cutting sandstone to casting bronze at the foundry. "We are very excited to welcome our unique bench to the Square, and if the students' enthusiasm is anything to go by, the venture will be a resounding success," says Sharon Swain, Nelson Mandela Square Centre Manager.

With the unveiling set for early spring, the extraordinary Nelson Mandela Square bench will be a perfect spot for visitors to rest on their laurels after a hard day of shopping.