Pretoria - The cost of revamping the Solomon Mahlangu Square in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, was R49 million, Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa said on Monday.
“I have already said everything I wanted to say but I just need to correct the figure. I had said we used R36 million but I’m advised it’s R49 million for the first phase of Solomon Mahlangu (square revamp),” Ramokgopa told reporters in Mamelodi.
“I think it’s part of us redesigning the monumentality of the landscape. Remember there was a conversation, about three months ago, with regards to public spaces and statues. As dialogue continues on public spaces and their uses, we need to create new ones, going forward. This helps us make the case that we are beginning to address issues around the monumentality of the landscape.”
He said the portion of land was very significant because it was often used as a gathering point by the people living in Mamelodi during protests.
“Although we call it the Solomon Mahlangu Square, we are celebrating the contributions of the people of Mamelodi in the struggle for liberation,” said Ramokgopa.
He said the names of struggle icons would be inscribed on placards at the monument. Similar projects are also in the pipeline across the capital city.
“We are working closely with the provincial government, thanks to the leadership and guidance of the MEC [in Gauteng for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Molebatsi Bopape] we are able to get to where we are. We will be doing the second phase which is around the museum and the theatre. I think it is going to be the first township theatre in Tshwane,” said Ramokgopa.
He said such developments would “lift the ambience” in the area.
“This is the CBD of Mamelodi. We will be redesigning these municipal offices, so we are creating a new space here,” said Ramokgopa.
He said the revamp of the square was “an excellent start”.
The giant Angus Taylor-sculptured Mahlangu bronze statue which used to face north, is now facing east following the renovations.
Asked what had been added to the square, Ramokgopa said: “A significant portion of the money went into the earthworks. With earthworks you won’t see them. Perhaps by visual inspection you can’t see R49 million. The majority of the R49 (million) is sitting in the earthworks”.
Bopape said the figures involved in the park revamp, signified the critical role played by the anti-apartheid struggle icon.
“It is important for us to appreciate the fact that our heroes and heroines need to be recognised. As you move across the country, you would see at any given point, statues of people we had never known of. You would see a name foreign to you and your eyes,” she said.
Such recognition by the apartheid government proved the significance of celebrating their icons, she said.
“We need to do exactly the same. There has been a concerted effort for us to recognise these heroes and heroines — even those who are still alive. As I’ve said earlier, we are not apologising. We are going to use our budget to recognise our people,” said Bopape.
“I need to appreciate the efforts taken by Tshwane. You have heard the executive mayor speaking about the amounts of money used. It’s not in vain and cannot be questioned. If you are going to question efforts like these, then we don’t actually recognise [what] our worth is, the worth of the struggle and the worth of the fallen heroes.”
Executive director of arts and culture in the Tshwane municipality, Ntuthu Sipambo, said the renovations spanned over 18 months. Several stalls have been created in the park and vendors will use them for a fee.
“Initially there was an amphitheatre [in the park]. It was not built according to correct standards. The amphitheatre looked like a mini stadium which didn’t communicate to what arts and culture is all about. Now we have modernised it, but including all the modern features,” she said.
Hundreds of Mamelodi residents joined government officials in the park which was undergoing renovations.
One resident, Samantha Makwethu said while the renovations were noble, there were other pressing matters which needed to be addressed in the area.
“I feel that we are under siege from criminals here in Mamelodi. I think many people will be afraid to come and relax on these lawns because we are constantly mugged by drug addicts. I think the mayor should have addressed our safety and security issues first,” said the mother of five.
From now, the park in Mamelodi will operate during the day and be locked up at night for the safety of patrons.
Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was a prominent ANC cadre who joined the military wing Umkhontho we Sizwe. He receiving training in other countries including Angola and Mozambique.
In 1977, Mahlangu and his companions were captured in Johannesburg’s Goch Street amidst a fierce gun battle. After a trial for charges including murder and offences under the Terrorism Act, he was sentenced to death on March 2, 1978.
Mahlangu was executed by hanging in April 1979 and his death drew international condemnation for the then government.
In 1993, the Solomon Mahlangu Square was dedicated to the memory of the young man described by the ANC as a gallant freedom fighter.
ANA