New King Shaka statue 'might be larger' with 'more features' of Zulu life

Premier Zweli Mkhize says the R3 million statue of King Shaka at the new airport was completed according to the agreed specifications at its unveiling last month and that his office and other people involved in its commission were happy with it at the time.

"We were comfortable with it before, but through closer observation and ongoing debate we realised that it was in the best interest to change the statue," he said, moments before it was pulled down last night.

The statue, sculpted by renowned artist Andries Botha, was removed after King Goodwill Zwelithini and other members of the Zulu royal house expressed reservations about its features and location at the airport.

The artwork depicts Shaka surrounded by Nguni cattle and without the spear and shield he is traditionally shown carrying.

Mkhize said the same team which had developed the initial statue would be involved in its redesign work.

"The team, as well as historians and members of the premier's office, will work together."

He said the final concept of the new statue would be ready in a month.

However, Mkhize's spokesman, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said earlier yesterday that the statue was never intended to be the final product and that more features were to be added so that the exhibit reflected different elements of Zulu history.

He said a team of historians, academics and members of the royal house had been appointed to improve on the existing work and add features of historical significance.

"We never said the statues were the final exhibit, but they are part of a bigger picture. The statues were just put up for the opening of the airport... Andries Botha is working with the team to improve the work and include additional features," Sibiya said.

The reworked statue would be erected on a more prominent site at the airport. Mkhize said he wanted to see more features, covering every aspect of Shaka's life. He added that the new statue might be larger.

DA caucus leader John Steenhuisen said the statue was commissioned at huge cost and should have gone through various stages of consultation and research at the commissioning phase.

"If the statue is unsuitable, those officials who approved the design should be liable for additional costs, rather than the taxpayers," he said.

The Mercury

Posted at 10:10AM Jun 03, 2010 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |