‘Completely Unacceptable’: Experts Slam eThekwini’s R22m Statue Splurge Amid Crumbling Services

As taps run dry, sewage flows into rivers, and potholes swallow roads, eThekwini Municipality has found R22 million for bronze.

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Durban on Tuesday to unveil 10-metre-tall bronze statues of former president Nelson Mandela and liberation stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo.

The price tag: R22 million.

The Backlash

The expenditure has drawn sharp criticism from opposition partiesincluding the MK Party, EFF KZN, ActionSA, and the DAwho argue it is a “misplaced priority” given the metro’s severe service delivery, financial, and governance crises.

The list of failures is long:

• Collapsing infrastructure

• Sewage flowing into rivers and beaches

• Erratic water supply, dry taps

• Pothole-ridden roads

• Electricity outages

• Waste management challenges

• A significant housing backlog

The Experts Weigh In

Professor André Duvenhage (North-West University) was blunt:

“We know municipalities are falling apart and that the metros are facing particular major challenges. Against that backdrop, to pay R22 million for erecting statues is completely unacceptable.”

He said the ANC typically responds to dwindling support with rhetoric and symbolisma renewed effort to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 elections.

“There’s no doubt that the R22 million is in conflict with all the principles of good governance. If you cannot deliver your basic services, how can you fund R22 million on statues? Especially in an environment where the municipality is facing complete collapse.”

Professor Purshottama S. Reddy (University of KwaZulu-Natal) acknowledged the contributions of Mandela and Tambo, but argued they have already been honoured sufficiently.

“There are major challenges with basic services delivery in Durban, especially wateruninterrupted supply, water quality, loss of water estimated at 60% , and inflated billing. These issues together with housing, electricity, and urban decay should be a priority.”

His message: honour the heroes by delivering services.

“The best way for municipalities to honour our Struggle heroes is by ensuring that they discharge their constitutional imperativesensuring basic service provision efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing the lives of local communities.”

The Oversight Failure

Reddy urged national and provincial governments to exercise oversight, ensuring the municipality prioritises essential needs.

He said parliamentary committees must gauge the local electorate’s mood and step in when communities express dissatisfaction with municipal priorities.

The Bottom Line

Twenty-two million rand. Two statues. One crumbling city.

The heroes being honoured deserve recognition. But as experts and opposition parties argue, a functioning city would be a better tribute than bronze.

Taps, not statues. Sewage pipes, not symbolism. That is what eThekwini needs.

{Source: IOL}

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