The North West Department of Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs will tomorrow unveil the President Jacob Zuma Capture Site Monument at Groot Marico.

The monument in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality comes at the backdrop of the controversial withdrawal of a R6 million tender that was earmarked to erect a statue of the President. The bid to erect the multimillion-rand statue made headlines when it caused a stir amongst political parties in the province months ago.

Premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s announcement of the six meter tall sculpture at the beginning of the year was followed by heavy criticism from opposition parties referring to it as the next ‘Nkandla’ in the North West.

The provincial government then opted for a monument instead, saying it’s a way of honouring struggle icons and freedom fighters.

Department’s spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe, was, however, unable to reveal how much is allocated for this area and how much has thus far been spent. He says the monument site is constructed under different phases of which phase one is completed.

He says the Department has a budget for the development of all heritage sites in the province and will ensure that they are preserved.

OFM News