6 minute read
We Celebrate The Heroes Of The Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth showcases those who fought for our equality
By Divinia Pillay
I feel the projected pride and the hope of those who brought democracy to South Africa when I walk along Route 67 in the historic queue comprising the shadows of those waiting to cast their votes.
I move around the cylindrical structure on which symbolic figures are displayed and reach the end where I see a representation of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of true leadership and a light for hope, his freedom fist in the air. I transport myself back to that day. Eleven years old, I was too young to participate in the first democratic election, but old enough to understand that something big was happening. The concept of the South African rainbow nation was still quite foreign to South African people suffering from a divided past. One of my grade five classmates constantly fought with me in the weeks leading up to the election. Her father, an employee of the South African Police Service, was clearly under the impression that the election would result in a barbaric bloodbath.
In our home, there was no such talk. My parents seemed to know that the events would be orderly. It was as if they knew the time for change had definitely arrived and South Africa was going to become what it should be. The day arrived and the TV was on, set on one channel for the entire day. I don’t remember our home being tense that day. It was quite calm. The images of the thousands of people standing in line to cast their votes on that day brought a sense of excitement, but calm at the same time.
Now as I walk alongside the shadows of those who physically took a long road to freedom, the artistic structure, a part of Route 67, I cannot help wanting to be a part of that legendary day, April 27,
Photo by Chris Allen
The representation of Nelson Mandela on Route 67 is a symbol of true leadership.
1994, the day democracy came to South Africa. My only contribution was that I was a child who would benefit from the outcome of that first democratic election.
A kaleidoscope of colours surrounds this structure, symbolising freedom achieved after so many years and depicted as the long walk to freedom. The artwork of Route 67 depicts a way of life in South Africa dating back before the colonial takeover. The route is not a conventional pathway that is easily followed and understood.
The brainchild of the Mandela Bay Development Agency in partnership with the National Lottery distribution fund, Route 67, features 67 pieces of contemporary art in honour of the 67 years of Nelson Mandela’s public life. The route spirals through the nooks, racks and streets of the Port Elizabeth Central
Photo by Chris Allen
Port Elizabeth was the home for many of the struggle heroes whose leadership brought freedom for all South Africans.
Business District somewhat in contrast to the Campanile and the Donkin Reseerve, colonial architecture in the area.
Built during the 1820s, the Donkin Memorial was named in honour of Elizabeth Donkin, Sir Rufane Donkin’s late wife. Beside the Donkin Memorial is the Lighthouse that was established in 1861. Today it serves as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Tourism Office. These two structures form part of the route incorporating the history of the city.
It took years to complete Route 67. In fact, the length of construction symbolizes South Africa’s Long Walk to Freedom. The route was opened in 2009, but the characters were not filled in until 2011.
Artists Bretten Ane Moolman and Lourens Westraadt started their ArtComix Project to “flesh out” two characters who would star in a publication chronicling their journeys along Route 67. They called on top public artists such as Alexandra Noble, Stephanie van Vuuren and Jacques Nel, to offer workshops for young local artists. After the structured workshops, a team of primary illustrators was identified to complete the project. Andile Poswa, Bamanye Ngxale, Christo Booth and Monde Goniwe and a backup team, Banele Njadayi, Christopher Musvaruki Mkhonto Gwazela and Siyabonga Ngaki contributed to the success of the project.
Khaya and Themba are the two young illustrated characters in the display that documents their journey.
The Mandela Bay Development Agency issued a statement about the project that was completed in June 2012: “We are aiming to make people of the Metro become more aware of what public art can do towards creating an interactive urban space and also to engender a feeling of pride in one’s City.”
Walking down from the top of the Hill of Route 67, starting at the Donkin Reserve and the cylindrical voting structure, walking down to the Campanile and Govan Mbeki Avenue in the centre of town, the yellow and white crosses are drawn onto the ground leading to the stairway and are attached to a scaffolding-like structure resembling a tipi. The crosses are marked with the names of Port Elizabeth youth. They communicate a sense of belonging and camaraderie for Port Elizabeth youth to be able to do what needs to be done to make a difference in their own community.
If this is how it felt for me, I can imagine how it feels for the artists who contributed
The variety of the work along Route 67 provides a sense of diversity evident in the struggle for freedom.
Photo by Chris Allen
to the structuring of Route 67. The personal touches of the local talent and those who make up the community allow for a sense of camaraderie and belonging in post-conflict South Africa when many youth may feel like the liberation struggle is long gone.
The fact that local young artists
contributed to Route 67 makes me feel extremely proud of the young talent in Port Elizabeth and South Africa and proud to be part of a community able to tell our history through such beautiful and meaningful ways.
“I consider being selected as one of the artists for the route as a huge achievement,” said Umtata who was born Mkhonto Gwazela. “This project allows artists to celebrate the industry in Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape.”
Umtata is one of the artists featured in the showcase and has a B-tech qualification from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Fine Art and a Certificate from Oxford University College.
Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape were the home ground for many struggle heroes. That something like this can be showcased and celebrated makes me proud. That we as a community can find something as great as this to celebrate and be happy about, and the arts are not overshadowed by our problems. Nevertheless, the walk through Route 67 makes me feel that we are on the brink of alleviating the problems of those who still are suffering, and that the beautiful city of Port Elizabeth and the Province of the Eastern Cape will make much more progress in the decades ahead.
Photo by Chris Allen
