The South African government has unveiled new statues of former president Nelson Mandela and struggle Stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo in Durban.
One statue has been installed along the Durban North beachfront, while the other stands at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Around R22 million was spent on the project, with the eThekwini Municipality saying this was the most cost-effective option available.
After months of being covered, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially unveiled the statues on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa says the two newly unveiled statues are expected to significantly boost tourism in Durban.
“The challenge is to market these statues not only as tourist attractions but as a part of the story of our struggle for freedom. It was in this city that we heard that Nelson Mandela spent his last night before his arrest at Howick on the 5th of August 1962.”
He adds that the decision to place the statues in Durban carries special significance.
“It was also in this city that Madiba made his iconic call for the people of this province to end the violence that had cost so many lives. It was in this city in July 1991 that Oliver Tambo handed over the presidency of the ANC to Nelson Mandela at the organisation’s 48th national conference.”
Ramaphosa added that the installation of the two new statues is also aimed at preserving South Africa’s history.
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