Progress in bid to erect 1860 monument

THE committee overseeing the initiative to erect a monument in Durban marking the arrival of Indians in South Africa in 1860, has received 11 submissions from artists.

Last October, Sihle Zikalala, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, mandated Ravi Pillay, the MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, to commence consultation with community organisations for the proposed monument.

An interim committee was formed comprising Seelan Achary, Ela Gandhi, Maggie Govender, Ashwin Trikamjee, AV Mahomed, Brij Maharaj, Selvan Naidoo, Nellenie Naidoo, Yusuf Bhamjee, Babu Baijoo, Brandon Pillay and Ranjiv Nirghin.

In April, a public call-out was made for artists to submit their design ideas.

Ravi Pillay said five submissions had been received in response to the call-out. Six other submissions had been received during a process undertaken by the eThekwini Municipality.

“The submissions received in response to the newspaper adverts were wide-ranging, from abstract to literalist interpretations of the subject matter.

“It must be mentioned that all of the submissions depicted a high level of creativity and understanding of the subject,” Pillay said.

It would be inappropriate to release further details pending the finalisation of the matter by the provincial executive council, he said.

Pillay said the submissions were part of a public consultation process from which themes and concepts were identified.

“The full report will be considered by the provincial executive council and thereafter implementation will be undertaken by the Department of Arts and Culture.”

November 16 will mark the 161st anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa.