Durban’s mega-statues sit wrapped and waiting
Residents in North Beach have been left wondering about the towering statue located along O.R. Tambo Parade (formerly Snell Parade) on the beachfront. Covered in plastic, the eThekwini Municipality is yet to announce its unveiling.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
TWO nine-metre bronze statues — Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo — are currently standing incognito along Durban’s beachfront and stadium precinct, bundled up in plastic like oversized action figures waiting for Christmas morning.
The R22-million pair, billed as part of government’s plan to “transform the heritage landscape” and boost tourism, have instead transformed into the latest local spectator sport: residents rubbernecking at statues they still can’t see.
Mandela’s statue has been spotted guarding the parking lot at Moses Mabhida Stadium, staring intently toward Kings Park Athletic Stadium. Meanwhile, Tambo holds fort along North Beach, possibly wondering how he ended up beachfront property.
The two struggle icons — who, alongside Walter Sisulu, founded the ANC Youth League in 1944 — are no strangers to political turbulence. Their modern-day bronze counterparts seem to have inherited that legacy. Council first approved the project back in 2019, then approved another R1 million for installation in 2022, sending opposition parties into a collective orbital spin.
The statues were originally destined for Durban City Hall, but in a plot twist that surprised even councillors, they were relocated to new grounds.
And because every saga needs a sequel, DA mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen has since hauled the matter to the Public Protector, questioning the wisdom of spending millions on metal men while residents wrestle daily with a water and sanitation crisis.
The municipality, however, remains steadfast. It argues that too many existing monuments glorify colonists and apartheid architects, and that Durban’s public spaces deserve a more inclusive roll call of heroes. Former deputy mayor Philani Mavundla noted in earlier reports that the city’s statues and even its logo, fail to reflect the diversity of its people.
As for the wrapped-up giants? Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana insists there are no delays. All plans are in place, she says, and the grand unveiling is coming “soon.”
Until then, Durban residents will continue to watch the plastic-clad silhouettes flap in the ocean breeze, heritage in suspense, waiting for its big reveal.