The University of Cape Town was given the go-ahead to establish the most iconic governance school on the African continent. They came to us to develop a brand, logo and visual language which they would use to announce the school to the academic world and the general public. Our solution harnessed the legacy of Nelson Mandela to create an identity for a school for public governance in Cape Town on par with the greatest tertiary institutions of its type in the world.
With bold lines and strong, geometric shapes that link to form a monogram of Nelson Mandela’s initials, the logo unashamedly draws its inspiration from African artwork and patterning. The colour palette is bright with a hint of earthiness, taking its lead from the natural surroundings of the school’s site just under Table Mountain.The rest of the CI followed suit; a bold visual identity proudly displaying its African roots and speaking to the school's unconventional approach and commitment to ensure that the greatest leaders can come from Africa.
After much planning, consultation and development, the name, branding and CI of the Nelson Mandela School was launched by Prof Thuli Madonsela to the public on what would have been Mandela's 100th birthday.
