Towering OR Tambo statue stirs debate on Durban beachfront
A recently erected oversized statue of struggle stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo towers the Durban beachfront, to the discontent of local residents and ratepayers.
NORTH Beach residents have expressed their distress regarding the towering statue of O.R. Tambo, located along O.R. Tambo Parade (formerly Snell Parade) on the beachfront. It is currently covered pending official unveiling.
The North Beach Ratepayers Association shared, “The cost to erect the statues of Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela on the Durban city hall precinct was reportedly around R22m. However, another company mentioned a slightly different figure of R20m for the two statues. The statues, designed by artist Lungelo Gumede, are part of the eThekwini Municipality’s effort to promote black unity and transform the city’s heritage landscape. The project has sparked controversy, with some critics questioning the allocation of such a large sum for statues while many people in the city struggle with poverty and infrastructure issues.”
Also read: City agrees to erect Mandela, Tambo statues in Durban
Ward 26 councillor, Sibusiso Lushaba, confirmed that the statue is being erected, together with one of Nelson Mandela, near Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Other residents commented that the erection of statues is a waste of funds when there are people who are starving, and the homeless are without shelters. “This is another way the politicians will embezzle funds and line their pockets. Service delivery is slacking, and the infrastructure is falling apart. How come this is a priority?”
Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality could not respond to questions about the cost of the statue, and the benefits for residents.
“Please note that information regarding the statue costs, unveiling, and associated benefits will be communicated once all internal processes have been finalised, hence the statue is still covered. The media will be informed accordingly at that stage.
“We kindly request that you await the completion of these processes to ensure that any reporting on the project is accurate and factual,“ she added.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
