Is that Thabo Mbeki? The statue that has everyone confused
Durban ratepayers are outraged that the city has spent millions on statues that bear a poor resemblance to ANC leaders
Durban mayor Zandile Gumede’s love of statues has outraged eThekwini ratepayers. There have been complaints that eight statues placed along the M4 in Durban North to celebrate the ANC’s 107th birthday bear little resemblance to the party’s past leaders. And now the mayor plans to spend R20m on two giant statues by the same artist of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. The eight statues placed along the M4 include ANC leaders and stalwarts Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Cyril Ramaphosa, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. Mbeki’s statue has caught the attention of many social media users who have wondered who the man standing between Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma is, saying the statue does not resemble the former president.
On Monday eThekwini municipality’s head of parks and recreations, Themba Ngcobo, told journalists that a tender of R20m has been issued to Lungelo Gumede, a young Durban-based artist to produce two further statues that will b...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.