Protest action at the unveiling of the two statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
Image: Leon Lestrade
AMID ongoing water and electricity shortages, eThekwini residents and political parties have criticised the R22 million spent on two statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, calling for accountability and prioritisation of essential services.
The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) and political parties in the city slammed the pomp and grandeur surrounding Tuesday's unveiling of the statues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, flanked by government officials, arrived in Durban on Tuesday to officially unveil the statues honouring two struggle icons, President Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo.
DA protesting at the unveiling of the two statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
Image: Leon Lestrade
On Monday, IOL reported that eThekwini Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba defended the R22 million spent on the two statues.
"The two giant statues of our liberation stalwarts that will be unveiled by the president tomorrow forms part of this drive to create additional tourism offerings in the city. Such projects play a key role in catalysing tourism growth, so if you want to spin the money you must first spend the money," he said during an engagement with Independent Media editors.
But the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) has strongly criticised the R22 million expenditure on the statues, saying residents continue to face water outages, sewage spills, infrastructure collapse and billing issues.
“While residents face water outages, sewage spills, collapsing infrastructure and billing chaos, approximately R22 million has been spent on statues. Ratepayers are told there is no budget for repairs. Yet there is money for these monuments,” the group said in a statement.
Unveiling of the Oliver Tambo statue at Durban Beach Front.
Image: Leon Lestrade
The ERPM accused the municipality of excluding ratepayers from the Presidential eThekwini Working Group meeting at the Durban ICC, despite including business and labour representatives.
“This is symbolism over substance. We respect the legacy of Mandela and Tambo. But their names should not be used to mask financial mismanagement and service delivery failure,” the statement read.
The group invited Ramaphosa to meet directly with residents. “eThekwini deserves accountability. Ratepayers deserve better,” it said.
The Democratic Alliance, Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK Party) and Action SA have condemned what they call a waste of money.
The Oliver Tambo statue.
Image: Leon Lestrade
Haniff Hoosen the DA's eThekwini mayoral candidate said the unveiling comes at a time when the City faces profound service delivery challenges.
"Durban is in the grip of a severe water crisis. It is estimated that more than 60% of potable water is lost due to ageing infrastructure and prolonged underinvestment in maintenance. Numerous communities endure extended periods without reliable water supply, and water-shedding measures have been implemented in several major townships," he said.
Meanwhile, the MK Party said residents were facing collapsing infrastructure, sewage flowing into rivers and rising crime.
"The DA-led-so-called Government of National Unity now seeks to wrap itself in the legacy of Mandela and Tambo while presiding over the steady collapse of municipalities across the country," the party said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo statues.
Image: Leon Lestrade
National spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhela, added that if Ramaphosa wanted to honour the two stalwarts, they should declare eThekwini's infrastructure crisis a national emergency.
Action SA KZN provincial chairperson, Zwakele Mncwango, said while they recognised and respected the contribution by both struggle heroes, they opposed the allocation of R22 million towards the project, especially in light of the municipality facing severe financial strain.
"The City reportedly has only 17 days’ cash in hand, a clear indication of liquidity pressure and poor financial management. In such circumstances, every available rand should be directed toward stabilising municipal finances and addressing urgent service delivery backlogs," Mncwango said.
He said R22 million could have been invested in repairing water infrastructure, upgrading pump stations, resurfacing deteriorating roads, or strengthening stormwater systems ahead of the next heavy rains.
"Instead, the coalition has chosen symbolism over service delivery," he said.
Mncwango said the most meaningful way to honour Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo is through ethical governance, fiscal discipline, and a relentless focus on improving the lives of residents.