eThekwini’s R22 Million Mandela And Tambo Statues Spark Public Debate Ahead Of Unveiling

The eThekwini Municipality has defended the R22 million bronze statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, saying they form part of a national effort to reshape South Africa’s heritage landscape, honour diverse histories and boost tourism.

Residents were left puzzled after spotting both statues wrapped in protective plastic and cordoned off, with the city yet to reveal an official unveiling date.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Justice Minister Calls For Ban On Live Broadcasts At Madlanga Commission After Witness Killing

Standing at nine metres tall, the statues are positioned in prominent public spaces — Tambo’s along North Beach and Mandela’s outside Moses Mabhida Stadium, facing Kings Park Athletic Stadium.

The two struggle icons remain central figures in South Africa’s political history. Mandela served as the country’s first democratic president, while Tambo led the ANC from 1967 to 1991. Alongside Walter Sisulu, they also founded the ANC Youth League in 1944.

Political Backlash Over Location and Spending

Controversy surrounding the statues began as early as 2019 when the project was first approved in council. Tensions escalated again in October 2022 when the municipality allocated an additional R1 million for the installation, angering opposition parties.

Originally destined for placement outside Durban City Hall, the statues’ relocation came as a surprise to several municipal councillors.

The DA’s eThekwini Mayoral Candidate, Haniff Hoosen, recently confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Public Protector. He argued that the city should not have spent R22 million on statues while battling severe service delivery challenges.

“The municipality redirected funds from purchasing fire engines and repairing water infrastructure at the Tongaat water works towards the building of these statues,” he said.

Heritage Transformation at the Centre of the City’s Defence

Municipal reports have repeatedly emphasised that eThekwini, despite being one of South Africa’s largest metros, lacks significant monuments honouring Mandela and Tambo. The city has also argued that the country’s inherited heritage landscape is “heavily skewed” toward the histories of colonists and apartheid-era figures.

According to the municipality, most existing statues fail to reflect the bravery and contributions of the broader population, while Deputy Mayor Philani Mavundla previously noted that municipal symbols and statues do not adequately represent South Africa’s diverse racial groups.

Addressing concerns over possible delays, municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana recently stated that all preparations are progressing as planned. She confirmed that the unveiling dates will be made public soon.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky