Mixed reactions to removal of statues
Express asks some Polokwane residents how they feel about the removal of the Cecil John Rhodes statue at the University of Cape Town.
POLOKWANE – THE removal of the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at the University of Cape Town has caused mixed reaction.
Some believe such statues are a reminder of South Africa’s history while others think they should not be displayed at all in a democratic South Africa.
Express asks some Polokwane residents how they feel about the issue.
Pride Mushanganysi says the removal of statues will destroy the country’s history.
She says they should be respected because they serve as a monument to history.
“When future generations learn history in their academics, they will visit these places to see the statues as reference. We need to conserve them because they are a part of who we are today.”
Duncan Langa says he does not understand why people are making such a big fuss about the statues. He asks: if they are removed, what are they going to be replaced with?
“This is going to be an unnecessary expense, while the government should be improving infrastructures. We should be proud of our history because we cannot take back what has happened.”
Mulanga Sikhwari says she does not approve of the statues removal.
She says South Africa is beautiful because of everything that it is made of, including its history. Sikhwari says it might represent the Apartheid regime to others but still serves as a historic symbol.
“I wish people can just move on and stop destroying things which have a significant meaning to the country.”
Jimmy Chauke says the issue of statues does not bother him at all. He says even if they are removed, it wont erase they role the people played in history.
“Why cant we just be proud of our past, accept what has happened and move on? I really don’t see why this has turned into a big issue.”
Azwihangwisi Sithakathaka says there are just many things which have not been made clear on the statue issue.
“If they are to be removed,where are they going to be kept and is every statue going down or only those which are said to be representing a past some people will rather forget?”
She says things like these have to be communicated thoroughly to citizens and should not come as a surprise.
