2025 Platinum
The Scot claimed his maiden European Tour title at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship at Royal Durban last December.
"It's great to have any tournament carry Nelson Mandela's name," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"Obviously being so close to his sad passing last week, it definitely adds an edge to the tournament.
"To be able to retain it would be fantastic and certainly would be an incredible honour.
"I think the competition's going to be fierce, especially, I imagine, among a lot of the South Africans.
"It's going to be a tough week, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Branden Grace has already said that he will pull on his golf clothing at Mount Edgecombe Country Club this week looking to secure a South African victory for Mandela.
"It's kind of bitter-sweet to be playing in the Nelson Mandela Championship just a week after Madiba's death," he told the European Tour official website.
"It's not a happy time in South Africa, so it's nice to be able to be in a position where I can go and support the tournament. I hope that the guys come out to do justice to his name.
"He always talked about excellence and it's good to try to show that in action.
"He was such an ambassador for the country - for the whole world, as well, really - and his memory will live on forever."
Play was delayed by five hours on Wednesday due to a waterlogged course. The start date for the tournament was brought forward by a day so not to clash with Mandela's funeral on Sunday.
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