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21 Dec 2014 | By Sun International

Nobel Square in Cape Town

It only makes sense that the 4 sculptures in Nobel Square, a popular Cape Town tourist attraction, are slightly larger than life. The lives of the men portrayed were of epic proportions. Depicting Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, F.W. De Klerk and Nelson Mandela, the sculptures stand in a row, feet together, with a meditative expression on their faces. Globally celebrated as great South Africans, these 4 men past and present, are tied by a shared, outstanding achievement: winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Did you know? The Nobel Prize is awarded for excellence in 5 categories: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Peace.

Found at the iconic V&A Waterfront, Nobel Square is a tribute to the 4 men depicted and a reminder to all visitors of the hard-won battle for democracy and freedom in South Africa. Designed by international acclaimed South African artist Claudette Schreuders, the sculptures have the Laureates’ favourite quotes engraved in their chosen language at the feet of the sculptures.

Quiz time! Can you guess which quote stands before Nelson Mandela?*

Did you know? Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela once lived on the same street -  Vilakazi Street in Soweto. While most South Africans know this, here are 5 little-known facts about these 4 incredible Laureates:

1. The United Nations declared Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day. A unique honour, this was the first time the UN dedicated a particular day to a person.

Did you know? You can create a personal tribute to Nelson Mandela by clicking here.

2. As it is in his autobiography, Albert Lutuli's surname is very often spelled Luthuli. This is because his autobiography was prepared for publication by non-vernacular-speaking friends. However, the man himself preferred another spelling and signed his name without an “h”.

Tip: Learn more about the events surrounding Albert Lutuli’s Nobel Peace Prize by clicking here.

3. Desmond Tutu and his wife Nomalizo Leah Tutu will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2015.

Did you know? Tutu’s wife, affectionately known as Leah, was one of Tutu’s headmaster father’s brightest pupils.

4. F.W. De Klerk is of Indian, Dutch and French ancestry. In De Klerk's autobiography he revealed that Diana of Bengal was an Indian slave whose grand-daughter married Mr. De Klerk's ancestor, Barend de Klerk in 1737.

5. The multi-faceted Nelson Mandela made a cameo in Spike Lee’s 1992 film “Malcolm X”. Don’t believe me? Click here and check out Mandela’s acting chops.

*Nelson Mandela engraved quote: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will experience the oppression of one by another.”