Durban's unveiling of monumental statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo is overshadowed by political criticism over the R 22 million investment.
Image: Supplied
Durban was the setting for the grand unveiling of two monumental statues in prominent locations, honouring Struggle heroes Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo on Tuesday. However, the celebratory atmosphere was tempered by criticism from some political parties and residents.
The unveiling, presided over by President Cyril Ramaphosa, featured the installation of two 10-metre-tall statues. Tambo’s statue stands on Durban’s popular beachfront, while the figure of Mandela is positioned outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The city's R22 million investment for the two structures has become a contentious matter. with many saying the money should have been redirected to more pressing service delivery issues,
The Democratic Alliance's (DA) eThekwini mayoral candidate, Haniff Hoosen voiced his party’s displeasure in a statement, claiming that the outlay could have improved the living conditions of residents who continue to endure the harsh realities of informal settlements.
“There are people who have been living in these informal settlements for over 30 years. Where are the promises of houses for all that were so boldly proclaimed when the ANC came into power?” Hoosen asked in a statement.
Durban's unveiling of monumental statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo is overshadowed by political criticism over the R 22 million investment.
Image: Supplied
Adding to the criticism was the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). In a statement, the party pointed to the contrast between the statue unveiling celebrations and the hardships faced daily by eThekwini residents.
“As sewage flows into rivers and taps run dry, the President commemorates struggle icons with bronze statues, as if that can remedy the lack of basic services,” the party said, referring to crumbling infrastructure and spiralling unemployment among pressing local concerns.
The MKP argued that if Tambo were to witness the current state of the ANC, marred by corruption and factional strife, he would be dismayed.
“Tambo stood for discipline, ethical leadership, humility and sacrifice. Today, the ANC is synonymous with arrogance and elitism.”
The party maintained that any meaningful honouring of Tambo and Mandela must involve decisive action to address systemic challenges.
KwaZulu-Natal ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango said his party boycotted the R22 million unveiling, describing it as a reflection of poor priorities by the eThekwini Municipality.
Mncwango said that while honouring leaders such as Tambo and Mandela is important, the city was grappling with serious service delivery failures, including sewage problems linked to E. coli contamination at beaches, water shortages in areas such as Ntuzuma and KwaMashu, and electricity outages following heavy rains.
“In our view, the government should prioritise fixing infrastructure and basic services over spending millions on a statue. The timing is inappropriate given the city’s urgent challenges,” he said.
In response, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba defended the R22 million investment, describing it as a long-term commitment to tourism growth and job creation.
“Tourism is going to be a major driver in the economic recovery of our city,” Xaba said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was today joined by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, as well as national and provincial Members of Parliament, councillors and other government officials at the official unveiling of landmark statues honouring struggle stalwarts Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo.
Image: supplied
He said that the city was addressing infrastructure challenges, highlighting an ongoing R1.2 billion pipeline replacement project aimed at supplying water to more than 1.2 million residents.
During the unveiling, Andile Tambo spoke on behalf of the Tambo family, reflecting on Oliver Tambo’s historical significance and the family’s ties to KwaZulu-Natal. He expressed pride in Tambo’s heritage and recalled the connections established by his ancestors in the region.
President Ramaphosa paid tribute to both leaders, and said their history was intertwined with that of South Africa and its people.
“It honours not only these two leaders but also the millions of South Africans who struggled and sacrificed for freedom,” Ramaphosa said.
“It emphasises that remembering their sacrifices is essential to building a better future. By honouring the past and those who suffered, the nation commits to continuing their legacy and working toward the South Africa they dreamed of for future generations.”
Ramaphosa said both Mandela and Tambo represented an enduring legacy of bravery and resilience.
“We continue to honour the heroes and heroines of our struggle, meaning the millions of South Africans who fought for this freedom,” he said.
DAILY NEWS