PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
South Africa: New Nelson Mandela project in the pipeline
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The City of Cape Town on Tuesday launched a public participation process about a major proposal to commemorate the life and work of former South African President Nelson Mandela with a statue and exhibition at City Hall.
The proposed project – the installation of a statue of Mandela and a permanent exhibition at the City Hall – forms part of the National Liberation Heritage Route, an initiative of the National Heritage Council and the National Department of Tourism.
“The purpose of the public participation process is to engage with our residents about the intended memorialisation of Mandela,” said Councillor Brett Herron.
The city council has proposed that a statue be installed on the balcony at the City Hall where Mandela delivered his first public address following his release after 28 years in jail.
In addition, the city plans to fund a permanent exhibition at the City Hall, consisting of interpretive panels, audio-visual equipment, and interactive displays, to commemorate the Nobel Laureate’s legacy and to honour the organisations and people who were involved in the liberation struggle and the transition to democracy.
Alan Winde, the Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, said Mandela remains one of the world’s most beloved icons.
“His journey after his release from the Victor Verster Prison to the City Hall where he made his address is of important historical significance. Through leveraging this unique heritage, we can build an attraction which will draw visitors to our region and spread his message of tolerance. We know this message remains especially relevant both here at home and abroad,” he said.
-0- PANA CU/VAO 18April2017
The proposed project – the installation of a statue of Mandela and a permanent exhibition at the City Hall – forms part of the National Liberation Heritage Route, an initiative of the National Heritage Council and the National Department of Tourism.
“The purpose of the public participation process is to engage with our residents about the intended memorialisation of Mandela,” said Councillor Brett Herron.
The city council has proposed that a statue be installed on the balcony at the City Hall where Mandela delivered his first public address following his release after 28 years in jail.
In addition, the city plans to fund a permanent exhibition at the City Hall, consisting of interpretive panels, audio-visual equipment, and interactive displays, to commemorate the Nobel Laureate’s legacy and to honour the organisations and people who were involved in the liberation struggle and the transition to democracy.
Alan Winde, the Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, said Mandela remains one of the world’s most beloved icons.
“His journey after his release from the Victor Verster Prison to the City Hall where he made his address is of important historical significance. Through leveraging this unique heritage, we can build an attraction which will draw visitors to our region and spread his message of tolerance. We know this message remains especially relevant both here at home and abroad,” he said.
-0- PANA CU/VAO 18April2017
