The South African War Memorial was unveiled on May 24, 1910, at 360 University Avenue, in memory of those who lost their lives in the Boer War. It was designed by Walter Seymour Allward who was assisted by sculptor Emanuel Hahn. The monument featured a granite base with three sculptures in bronze. This memorial is dedicated to British soldiers who died during the Wars and is made up of large panels providing room for inscriptions.
As the Country is set to celebrate Heritage Day, the Durban City Cenotaph War Memorial near the Durban City Hall remains in an appalling condition.
The Monument, which was unveiled in 1926, was vandalised last Year. Bronze plaques that bore the names of Durban’s veterans were stolen but they have since been recovered. Colonel Pat Acutt, senior staff officer at the Defence Reserves said: "the site’s condition was disheartening. Despite the damage, Acutt said he believed that South Africans cherished their Heritage." Acutt also said: “All citizens should be disheartened at the appalling desecration of the Monument, which is so unnecessary. But we have to go forward and repair the damage."
“Heritage Day is a special day for us as South Africans. On Heritage Day we always remember those who have fallen,” he said. Acutt said a US-based foundry had indicated it would cost more than $500?000 (R7.2?million) to repair the damaged metals. “But this was just off the top of their heads as they have not seen the damage,” he said.
At the Centre of the Site, two statues of angels raise the soul of a dead soldier and a metal statue of a fallen soldier stretched out on a plinth are among the few items that were not destroyed.
Acutt said the SA Legion was in discussions with the City Hall through the office of deputy Mayor, Fawzia Peer to establish the process of the Monument’s Restoration. He said the stolen metal had been recovered and formed part of their evidence. (The city did not respond when approached for comment.)"
Sunday Tribune- 24 September 2018
