By: Phakeme Mnguni
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says the erection of the statue of former president Nelson Mandela should serve as a lasting symbol of peace, unity, and nation-building.
His remarks come after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially unveiled two Mandela statues in Durban — one at North Beach and the other at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, each statue cost R11 million to erect. Officials say the installations are expected to enhance Durban’s tourism appeal by strengthening the city’s heritage offering and attracting both local and international visitors.
Speaking at the official unveiling ceremony at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Xaba said the statues not only honour Mandela’s legacy as South Africa’s first democratically elected president but also serve as a reminder of the values he championed: reconciliation, social cohesion, and constitutional democracy.
Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, became a global symbol of forgiveness and unity after leading South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy in 1994. City leaders believe the statues will further cement Durban’s role in preserving the country’s liberation history while contributing to economic activity through cultural tourism.
