Possible protest planned for statue
"Multi culturalism, diversity and tolerance should be encouraged. Reactionary and racially charged declarations together with the defacing of statues are totally unacceptable."
Reacting to the heated and emotional situation with regard to the defacing of monuments and possible protest actions, the Democratic Alliance today issued a statement in warning the Tshwane metro to take full responsibility in the mayhem, and unrest which might occur in possible protests marches.
In a press release issued it stated that allowing protest actions and marches on and to Church Square by the City of Tshwane is irresponsible and is an indication that sensitive issues like this one is not taken seriously.
The DA urgently requested the City of Tshwane to take the necessary steps to prevent conflict and secure the safety of the residents of the City.
“The kind of actions we have seen this week, forms part of a racially charged argument and is part of a racially charged campaign leading towards the local elections next year dividing the people of South Africa,” Christo van den Heever, DA spokesperson on arts and culture, in the DA Tshwane caucus, said.
“Monuments and statues are part of and represent South African history. We can portray the triumph of justice and democracy over injustice and oppression by showing, through statuary, the progress of humanity. This can be achieved by continuing the process of building statues to contemporary heroes to reflect the progress being made in our country.”
He said that the protection of South African heritage should therefore allow for the diversity of voices and seek to present an inclusive view on the history of South Africa, rather than choosing and promoting a single version of the truth.
“The protection of our heritage must be guided by the rights and freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. The preamble of our Constitution states that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. We must make this a reality in our country in a substantive way,” he said.
“Multi culturalism, diversity and tolerance should be encouraged. Reactionary and racially charged declarations together with the defacing of statues are totally unacceptable.”
“If anything should happen, the City of Tshwane should take full responsibility thereof,” he said.
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