Following the vandalism and theft of one panel of the Cenotaph in front of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Art Museum this week, the Metro has commenced with the removal of the remaining panels to prevent further damage to the iconic First World War Memorial.
The vandalism incident took place on Tuesday, 20 June 2023, raising concern of further possible damage that could be caused to the site as the spate of vandalism continues across the Metro.
The Cenotaph was erected in 1929 to commemorate the men who fell during the First World War. The panel that was stolen depicted men saying farewell to their families before they went to war.
The memorial was designed by artist James Gardner.
NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Bassie Kamana said the vandalism of heritage assets is strongly condemned.
“In order to preserve the rest of the panels from continued vandalism and in line with current national recommendations on vulnerable heritage assets, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is removing the other existing panels and the panels will be stored in a safe place. We believe the panels were stolen as they are made of a precious metal, bronze. We have opened a case with the SAPS and our internal anti-vandalism unit,” said MMC Kamana.
MMC Kamana said the Metro is working with relevant stakeholders to enhance security in the area.
“There is active ongoing patrolling by NMBM Security Services, local security companies and community organisations. We are all working together to ensure that our heritage assets are protected,” he added.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Heritage section has worked closely with the staff of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum to assist in removing the other vulnerable panels
“We were assisted through the generosity of a local company that specialises heritage restoration, R & R Aesthetics. We appreciate the local support we have received both in the removal of this precious asset and through activism of the Historical Society who have assisted to put the word out for communities to look out for the stollen panel” Assistant Director, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Emma O’Brien.
Residents are urged to report vandalism incidents to 0415851555 or email vandalism@mandelametro.gov.za.
NMB Communications
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