MEC for Gauteng department of sport, arts, culture and recreation, Molebatsi Bopape and the Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, accompanied by the family of Solomon Mahlangu, officially reopened the newly renovated Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square in Mamelodi West on Monday.
The square is a multifaceted landscape that commemorates the struggle heroes and heroines of Mamelodi and narrates the heritage and history of the location and its people.
The memorial square was upgraded to inspire, educate and offer economic opportunities to residents.
Ramokgopa said: “We have spent R49 million for the first phase of Solomon Mahalangu Square and the second phase with a theatre and a museum is still in the pipeline.”
This was facilitated by the Trinity Session, a group of 40 local artists who participated in a four-week long workshop.
The workshop was driven entirely by the artists’ narratives and storytelling.
Their stories were used to inspire the drawings, paintings and sculptures. Through their sharing of deeply personal and emotional stories of the strength of the human spirit, they reached moments of reconciliation, personal healing and pride in their heritage.
Bopape said: “Solomon Mahlangu played a big role in our country’s freedom, together with other freedom fighters. Most importantly the square belongs to the community and we are here today because of people like Solomon Mahlangu. Residents must use it and not vandalise it.”
Jacky Mnguni (27), a resident, said the public must make use of the park and bring their children as the square tells about the history of Mamelodi.
The mayor, together with family members of Solomon Mahlangu, unveiled the plaque.
The event was attended by chiefs, councillors, the MEC for transport and the public.
The school choir from Ribeiro Primary School, Dr Malinga, Ricky Rick, Behindbars and various cultural groups entertained the crowd.
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