Nelson Mandela Bridge

The bridge over the Koninginnevijver is an important link in functional bicycle traffic between the neighborhoods and the city center. On Wednesday, January 22, 2014, the bridge was given the name Nelson Mandela Bridge. The Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa unveiled the nameplate. The bridge symbolizes the long road to freedom, from one bank to the other, that Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013) preceded us. Mandela: Madiba, freedom fighter, bridge builder, reconciler, human. He spent 27 years in prison, but after his release he reconciled and united white, black and colored South Africans.

Source: oostende.be/maria-hendrikapark

As a tribute to the South African statesman and peace symbol Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5, the city council decided to rename the suspension bridge over the large pond in the Maria Hendrika Park as the Nelson Mandela Bridge. The South African ambassador to our country, Mxolisi Nkosi, came to Ostend to inaugurate the bridge together with Mayor Jean Vandecasteele (SP.A).

Beautiful cycling and walking bridge in the middle of the park.