DURBAN - The unveiling of two towering statues of ANC leaders on Tuesday has raised eyebrows in Durban.
President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the launch of R22-million monuments to Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo at North Beach and the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The unveiling of President Oliver Reginald Tambo’s statue (located at the OR Tambo Square in South Beach, eThekwini) celebrates the historic contribution he made to South Africa’s struggle for liberation, and forms part of the Municipality’s commitment to enhance Durban’s… pic.twitter.com/BJr0lhz1u5
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He described the statues as a tribute to two liberation icons whose contribution to South Africa’s struggle cannot be measured in monetary terms.
Durban officials say the statues have boosted tourism and reinforced the city's reputation as a preferred destination.
But opposition parties and some residents have criticised the cost. They point to ongoing water, housing and sanitation problems facing their communities.