Joint effort to protect iconic First World War Memorial following vandalism incident – NMBM

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.