Daughter of Nelson Mandela launches Liverpool memorial project

The daughter of Nelson Mandela has called for people to fight against a "resurgence in emphasising difference", as she visited the site in Liverpool where a memorial will be built in his honour.

The former South African president's eldest daughter Dr Makaziwe, or Maki, Mandela and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela visited the city on Monday to see the site where a permanent memorial will be built.

Addressing community members and schoolchildren in Princes Park, Toxteth, Dr Mandela, 65, said: "I think that the memorial garden that is going to happen here should be a reminder to all of us that we all have it in our hands to change the world, it's not a single person who can change the world.

In a ceremony to mark the start of work on the memorial, which will include a Freedom Bridge across the lake, a pavilion and 32 cylindrical stoneworks inscribed with Mandela's quotes, Dr Mandela said the family was "humbled" to see him remembered five years after his death.

The event was held on the 29th anniversary of Mandela's release from prison.

Lynn Collins, former chairwoman of Mandela 8, the charity which commissioned the memorial, said: "Today we are finally here, marking the start of the next phase, laying the foundations and sharing Mandela's message with the next generation and building a true legacy for a man that provided inspiration to us all."

Dr Mandela and her daughter are due to spend three days in Liverpool where they will visit a number of community projects, and will be guests of honour at civic reception in the town hall.

On Tuesday, Dr Mandela will meet the Prince of Wales as he visits St George's Hall, where a set of Mandela's drawings are on permanent display.