Durban — The eThekwini executive committee (exco) will have a special meeting to discuss the installation of the 9m bronze statues of Nelson Mandela and OR Tambo in the Durban City Hall precinct and the renaming of Francis Farewell Square in honour of OR Tambo.
The issue came up for discussion again at an exco meeting on Thursday for the approval of R1 million for the installation of the statues.
Exco members resolved to caucus the matter within their political parties before a political debate which would be convened by the whip of council.
The city intends to transform the heritage precinct, to entrench social cohesion and nation-building among eThekwini citizens.
As one of the biggest cities in South Africa, eThekwini does not have any memorials or significant statues honouring the contribution made by both Tambo and Mandela.
The report before exco stated that democratic South Africa inherited a heritage landscape that was very much skewed and not inclusive because it was to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage of the white minority. Most statues which existed only depict the bravery and history of the colonists and apartheid architects.
In the report, deputy mayor Philani Mavundla stated that observations had been made that the logo and statues within the eThekwini Municipal areas do not take a form of inclusive representation when it comes to diverse racial groups.
Mavundla said exco should investigate whether the municipality logo and the display of statues within the municipal areas adequately reflect the diverse racial groups represented in the municipality and report back to the council on its findings and a proposed plan to address any shortcomings where it is found that a bias exists towards a particular race group.
“It is imperative that the harsh imbalances of the past be addressed and effectively rectified thereby removing the symbols that once represented the mindset of colonisation,” he wrote.
ANC exco member councillor Nkosenhle Madlala and IFP exco member councillor Mdu Nkosi called for the matter to be discussed at a special meeting. Madlala called for an urgent meeting to meet the timeline of delivery of the statues and installation.
EThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the statues could not be stored for a long period once they arrived because they could be damaged.
Daily News