THE official unveiling of two 9m tall bronze statues of former President Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo have been met with anger and frustration.

The statues, which cost R22m, are said to be part of the City’s commitment to strengthening heritage tourism.

The statue of Mandela stands outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium while Tambo’s statue overlooks North Beach.

Both on social media and the ground, the move has been viewed as wasted expenditure, particularly in light of service delivery issues.

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Terri MacLarty, chairperson of the uMhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA), said the millions spent on the statues would be better spent elsewhere.

“It is something our ratepayers’ committee feels very strongly that the expense on the statues, albeit something that the mayor believes is important for tourism, is a waste of money when there is so much infrastructure waiting for update and improvement. We feel, as do other residents, that the money would be better spent elsewhere. If the City wanted a list of the things we could’ve used the money to improve we would be happy to provide it.

“The City sees this as some sort of strategy to try and improve tourism. While we understand that tourism is beneficial for everyone, both we and other residents fully agree if the facilities are improved, if there’s no sewage in the sea, there is water in the taps, and other service delivery issues are attended to, then tourists will come and the City will thrive. If those things are sorted then that will promote tourism,” she said.

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At the statue unveiling last week, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the statues were also a way to commemorate and honour the struggle stalwarts.

Xaba added that he hoped the statues will inspire future generations to learn more about the struggle icons.

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