TWO historical statues, that of anti-apartheid struggle icons former President Nelson Mandela and African National Congress stalwart OR Tambo, will be erected in Durban. This decision was approved by the City’s Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on 23 January following the tabling of a report on the matter.
The project will be to honour and pay tribute to the fallen heroes and sons of the soil for the role they played in fighting the oppressive apartheid regime. The project will also play a significant role in transforming the heritage landscape of the City and boost the local economy, stated a report tabled at the Exco meeting.
The erection of the statues would also serve to be an indelible mark of their contribution that would stand tall for generations to come. There are no financial implications at the moment as the tabled report sought only project authority. Upon receipt of project authority another report will be submitted to Council detailing the financial implications.
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eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede said this year has been declared as the year of Nelson Mandela as the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest leaders of this country and the world.
“We will pay tribute to the contribution that he made over the course of his 95 years, to the struggle for freedom and the cause of building humane social relations across the globe. We will have programmes and events to celebrate President Mandela as a nation,” she said.
The report, which was welcomed by members at Exco, gives authority to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit to erect the statues and to raise the funds internally and externally to finance the project.
