'Prioritise service delivery over statues'

THE time for unveiling statues in the country is over due to the urgent need for service delivery and jobs, says political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Seepe was responding to the planned unveiling of the nine-metre-tall bronze statues of former president Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in Durban on Tuesday by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The statues, which cost R22 million, have sparked debate due to concerns over their expense and in the face of service delivery issues in eThekwini.

Originally scheduled for Friday, the unveiling has been moved to accommodate Ramaphosa, who is expected to attend the funeral of Reverend Jesse Jackson, the renowned American civil rights activist, in Chicago during the weekend.

Seepe said the ANC was not only out of touch with the people, but it has also run out of ideas, adding that the party can no longer rely on the history of the Struggle.

"That part is done and dusted. Nelson Mandela and OR Tambo have been adequately acknowledged throughout the country.

"Statues and streets have been named after them," he said.

Mandela and OR Tambo were presidents of the ANC.