The newly unveiled statue of Nelson Mandela in eThekwini, symbolising South Africa’s enduring struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Picture Credit: BusinessTech
By Aisha Zardad
eThekwini – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday unveiled statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in eThekwini, describing the occasion as a powerful testament to South Africa’s democratic journey and a reminder of the responsibility citizens have to honour the legacy of these iconic leaders through active participation and ethical leadership.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the president called the event historic, rooted in national gratitude, and reflective of the nation’s enduring commitment to freedom, justice, and equality. “It is an honour to address you today on the historic occasion of the unveiling of these statues of Presidents Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo,” Ramaphosa said.
Commissioned by the eThekwini Municipality, the bronze statues commemorate Mandela and Tambo’s role in the struggle for liberation, social justice, and the empowerment of South Africans. Ramaphosa emphasised that monuments such as these act as anchors for collective memory, ensuring future generations remain connected to the country’s past. “They stand as a reminder to future generations of the road our nation has travelled and the aspirations we have for our future,” he said.
The unveiling comes as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution. Ramaphosa highlighted Oliver Tambo’s role in shaping the African National Congress’ constitutional principles during the period when the liberation movement was banned, and Nelson Mandela’s pivotal role in signing the Constitution into law ten years later.
The president reflected on the partnership between Mandela and Tambo at their law firm, built on a shared commitment to justice. Together, they defended the poor and marginalised, later leading the ANC and founding Umkhonto we Sizwe in the fight against apartheid.. “Their example remains relevant today as South Africa confronts inequality and social division,” Ramaphosa said.
He urged citizens to continue their vision by embracing public service and ethical leadership, stressing that the greatest tribute to Mandela and Tambo would not be in bronze or stone, but through actions that uphold the values they lived for. “These statues are promises – promises made by a free people to themselves that they will not forget what it cost to be free,” he said.
Turning to global affairs, Ramaphosa noted that Mandela and Tambo, as men of peace, would have been deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He urged a ceasefire and resolution through meaningful negotiations, emphasising the importance of ethical and principled leadership both locally and globally.
He also announced that eThekwini will host the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in August 2026, highlighting the city’s growing role in regional development. He added that the statues are expected to contribute to tourism growth, building on the millions who visited the city’s beaches and promenades over the festive season.
Reflecting on KwaZulu-Natal’s history of political violence, Ramaphosa recalled Mandela’s 1990 appeal in Durban to end internecine conflict: “Take your guns, your knives, and your pangas, and throw them into the sea… End this war now!”
He concluded by emphasising the importance of heritage preservation and remembrance. “In stone and bronze, we continue to write our history – not the history of those who held power unjustly, but the history of those who refused to let injustice have the final word,” he said, urging South Africans to draw strength from the example of Mandela and Tambo as the nation faces present and future challenges.
