MEDIA RELEASE      

SAHRA is in the process of auditing public monuments and memorials in a few cities and preparing a policy document for the managing them. The establishment of new monuments and memorials is also receiving attention.

In the current responses to the announcement about the proposed removal of the Kruger bust from the entrance to the Kruger National Park the cultural heritage values are hardly mentioned. SAHRA, as the official organisation responsible for identifying and managing SA’s heritage, welcomes this debate as an opportunity for discussing relevant issues regarding this particular statue and others. 

Statues are put up for a purpose, much planning is done and they cost a lot. We know that the Kruger bust was made in the late 1960s and we know where it stands. But do we know what the original purpose was and why the bust was placed where it is? Answers to these questions will help us to understand the circumstances of the time.

The subject of a statue or a bust is an individual who is commemorated for his or her character and deeds, which were shaped by the circumstances in which he or she lived. Usually statues are erected only after the death of the subject.

Another way of looking at a statue that it is an art form, and its artistic values need to be unpacked. Is it beautiful? Does the beauty come from the subject, the materials or from the sculptor’s art? Like other artists, sculptors have their strong points and chosen style of working which they express in their sculptures. Who was the sculptor and what was his brief?

Most important is the symbolism conveyed by a statue. The sculptor can make the statue look angry, sad, proud or whatever emotion is to be conveyed. The clothing, the body language, the way the subject is standing and so on contribute to what the

onlooker will experience. The place where a statue stands and the direction in which it faces may also have symbolism, although in the past it very often did not. In the

absence of a real connection to the place, moving a statue to a more appropriate environment may enhance its symbolism or make it more meaningful.

In terms of history there is general acceptance that it cannot be rubbed out. We can look at it from different perspectives. Removing or relocating a statue may be an attempt to forget the history or to prevent people from seeing evidence of the history, which may be unknown to many onlookers. A suggestion that has been offered is that plaques with concise information placed at statues could serve to orient perceptions about what is being commemorated.

In South Africa many people are striving actively for mutual understanding and respect, and for nation-building. Statues and memorials can contribute greatly to these positive goals. It is suggested that redress should be achieved by commemorating persons and events that have made notable contributions to the democratising of South Africa. This would indeed be welcomed in all quarters, as was the new South African flag some years ago.

To provide a channel for members of the public to communicate their views on statues and memorials in general a questionnaire has been posted on SAHRA’s website at www.sahra.org.za.  It is also available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Sotho and Setswana.  It can be completed and returned electronically, or printed and returned by fax or post.  In order to focus the input and to assist SAHRA in drafting a policy a few questions are asked.

SAHRA can be reached by e-mail (info@sahra.org.za) or fax (021) 462 4509.

The deadline for participation in this debate is at midnight on Sunday 17 August.

Contact details:

South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), P O Box 4637,

Cape Town 8000

Fax: (021) 462 4509    E-mail:  info@sahra.org.za