Nomaswazi Nkosi
Following the vandalisation of the statue of “Oom Paul” Kruger at Church Square this week, the City of Tshwane had the statue cleaned on Thursday.
“The City enlisted the services of the Voortrekker Monument to clean up the Paul Kruger statue,” said mayoral spokesperson Blessing Manale.
On Monday evening, vandals flung green paint on the sentries surrounding the Paul Kruger statue. Not long after that, questions were raised as to how the vandals gained access to the statue as it should have been cordoned off and protected as it had been vandalised before.
Manale explained that a portion of the fence surrounding the statue had been removed to allow the public easy access for taking pictures.
Manale said the fence would only be placed back next week.
“On October 10, there will be a celebration of the old Paul Kruger Day, so we felt it was pertinent to keep that portion open so the cultural groups that will be celebrating can have access to it. Thereafter, we will close the fence again.”
Saturday will mark the commemoration of Kruger’s 190th birthday. Political party Front National has planned celebrations at Church Square regardless of the statue being defaced.
The issue of certain statues, indicative of the apartheid era and colonial times, being removed has been a hot topic in recent months.
In April, green paint was thrown on the statue, prompting dialogue about what the fate of the statue should be.
“We are very close to finalising the discussions,” Manale said. He confirmed that a decision would be made and announced before the end of the year.
He said part of the discussions on what to do with the statue included putting it up for auction, removing it and having it placed at Fountains Valley or being exhibited it in a museum, among other options.