MPs "Defacing statues doesn't build up South Africa"

A municipal employee cleans a supporting figure on the base of the statue of Paul Kruger in Church Square.  Image by: SIZWE NDINGANE

"These acts of criminality are in no way adding value to the critical dialogue that needs to happen as the country continues in efforts to create a prosperous life for all South Africans‚" committee chairperson Xoliswa Tom said in a statement.


"Despite our different views on South Africa’s history‚ what remains important is our ability as a country to engage each other as taught by the late former president Nelson Mandela‚" she added.
The committee said defacing of statues could ignite further polarisation among South Africans‚ adding that "while the country’s dark history cannot be celebrated‚ the nation can continue to reflect on the past so that the country is aware of where it comes from".

The MPs asked government to speed up a consultation process to decide on "the best way to preserve and learn from everything about the past".