Nelson Mandela rose makes debut ahead of Valentine’s Day

Orange and vermilion rose named after anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa’s first black president

A posy of Nelson Mandela roses placed in front of a portrait of the anti-apartheid icon by the Nelson Mandela foundation, which promotes the leader’s legacy, on February 8, 2018. Foundations CEO, Sello Hatang, hints that the floral tribute is a fitting one as Mandela appreciated gardening and cared for the environment.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has unveiled an orange and vermilion rose named after the anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa’s first black president.

The foundation, which promotes Mandela’s legacy, showed off the rose at its headquarters on Thursday.

Proceeds to fund foundation

The Mandela rose is expected to be sold locally and internationally and proceeds will go to the foundation. CEO Sello Hatang says Mandela appreciated gardening and cared for the environment.

The foundation is marking the centenary of the birth of Mandela, who died in 2013 at the age of 95.