AfriForum condemns calls for destruction and vandalizing of statues
Civil rights organization AfriForum condemned calls by the ANC Youth League and EFF for the removal and even worse, the destruction of statues that supposedly has to do with colonialism and white supremacy, such as the Kruger statue on Church Square in Pretoria. Such actions will not empower anyone, but will rather serve to polarize South African communities even further, to the detriment of all.
According to Alana Bailey, Deputy CEO of AfriForum responsible for heritage and culture, the legacy of public figures never is purely positive or negative. "Such figures are interpreted differently by diverse opinion groups and different generations. To remove or destroy a statue does not change the events that led to its creation, nor does it contribute to the ongoing healthy debate about history. Each generation should instead add more historical landmarks to the existing order, thereby ensuring a comprehensive, balanced portrayal of the past. It does not mean that we all have to feel the same about such figures and events, but it does necessitate that we respect the opinion of people who differ from us."
"People who hastily support the decision to relocate statues for fear of vandalism, succumb to the pressure of populists who incite hatred and intolerance for temporary ideological gains. The relocation of historical landmarks will only serve to advance the opinion that some communities in South Africa only made negative contributions to the past," Bailey said.
If there no longer is space in the public sphere for statues and memorials commemorating the colonial and Afrikaner past, the question may well be asked whether South Africans of a colonial or Afrikaner descent are still welcome in the country. For this reason Bailey called on political and civic leaders to take a strong stance against the current iconoclasm and to participate in a debate in which communities' numerous and diverse contributions to history are recognized and mutual respect is encouraged.
A week ago AfriForum launched a petition calling for a moratorium on the removal of all statues and monuments in public areas. The organization also proposed that a national heritage summit should be held to reflect on the future of the country's cultural heritage. Members of the public wishing to support the campaign, can sign the petition on AfriForum's website or Facebook page, or SMS their names to 42315. Each SMS costs R1-00.
Statement issued by Alana Bailey, Deputy Chief Executive, AfriForum, April 6 2015
Update:
AfriForum: "Strongest possible action against vandals urgently required"
Following the vandalizing of the Paul Kruger statue on Church Square, Pretoria, AfriForum urgently appealed to the concerned authorities to take action against those responsible. "The situation is deteriorating by the day, people are becoming more swept up by the emotion of events and communities are becoming dangerously polarized as a result," said Alana Bailey, Deputy CEO of AfriForum.
Bailey believes the media prominence of the current debate on statues and monuments may result in attention seekers with political agendas now trying to get into the spotlight with an act of vandalism. "The message has to be sent to the anarchists that their behaviour is unacceptable and will be punished in accordance with existing legislation, before irreversible damage is done to the South African cultural heritage, or the polarization amongst communities leads to violence."
Henk Maree, National Chairperson of AfriForum Youth, said that members of the organization had been ready early this morning to clean the Kruger statue. AfriForum Youth then asked the Heritage Foundation for technical cleaning advice, and were reassured that the Foundation will restore the statue properly and that charges have been laid with the police against the vandals. "AfriForum Youth's members feel strongly about preserving our heritage and last night's events are unacceptable to us," he said.
Bailey and Maree expressed their appreciation for the swift action taken by the Heritage Foundation. They also thanked the Tshwane Metro Police for the steps taken since the incident to protect the Kruger statue as well as other heritage sites in the capital city.
AfriForum launched a petition a week ago, asking for a moratorium to be placed on the removal and relocation of all statues and monuments in public areas. The organization also proposes that a national heritage summit be held where all concerned parties can discuss the future of the country's cultural heritage. Members of the public who wish to support the campaign, can sign the petition on AfriForum's website or Facebook page, or SMS their name to 42315. An SMS costs R1.00.
In addition, AfriForum Youth has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness about the significance of our cultural heritage, including statues.
AfriForum believes conservation organizations, the responsible official organization, SAHRA, political leaders and civil society all have to take a firm stand against the current ideologically-driven debate to ensure that mutual recognition and respect for communities' respective contributions to and views on history are promoted.
Statement issued by Alana Bailey Deputy CEO, AfriForum and Henk Maree, National Chairperson, AfriForum Youth, April 6 2015
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