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Freedom Park Controversial

Previous page 28th August 2008

Twelve fountains representing the twelve population groups in SA in Unity Park

The controversial R500 000 park at the York/Courtenay Street circle was opened amidst expressions of hope that Unity Park - as it was named on Thursday - would unite a deeply divided society.

Inset: Twelve fountains representing the twelve population groups in SA in Unity Park

George Mayor Flip de Swardt, addressing a small gathering of VIP’s, and Anglican Church Bishop, Donald Harker both expressed the hope that the citizens of George would take hands and learn to care for one another, and live in harmony.
"We come from an abnormal and unnatural past during which people were divided into various groups and living areas," De Swardt said.

"This is part of our history that we have to address and correct.
The Town Council trusts that this park will make a a small contribution towards providing a feeling of belonging together, and racial harmony.

"When people use this circle and park, we hope that they will be reminded of the unity towards which our country, our province and town strive. May all the residents use this park and enjoy the bonds of friendship that will bridge and stretch across cultural boundaries."

Situated at the cross roads of main routes through George from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and the interior, thousands of people will see the name of the park in three of the country’s official languages: English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.

The 12 fountains incorporated in the circle’s design symbolise the 12 population groups. The budget was cut from R1,2-million to R500 000 and the main fountain was therefore shelved, explained De Swardt.
Another item amounting to over R311 400, a wooden sculpture, seemed to also have been put on hold for the time being although well-known Knysna sculptor, Theo Du Plessis (whose outstanding work graces the Knysna Quays) was initially appointed.

Southern Cape ANC regional deputy chairperson, Nomajuda Bityi, slammed the circle as a waste of money which would have been better spent on providing services and infrastructure to the poorest of the poor. Bityi said she was equally against all the expense incurred at hosting a 2010 Soccer World Cup base camp here in George. "Only when my people have got a roof over their heads and are no longer suffering with poor health and a lack of toilets, only then can we talk about hosting a 2010 Soccer World Cup base camp."
The event was attended by former George mayors Kidron Kaboni, John Rodgers and Melford Notshokovu who in their terms of office represented all race groups and political parties.

by PAULINE LOURENS

George Herald

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