Campanile indicates how to be inclusive

REFERENCE is made to the article by Michael Barry published in The Herald of June 5 (“How to reconcile apartheid symbols”). How to demythologise and decommission colonial and apartheid structures?

Here I refer to the Campanile that was renovated last year.

Yes, it was originally a colonial monument commemorating the 100 years since the 1820 Settlers had arrived.

First, it commemorates the arrival of the 1820 Settlers.

Second, it recalls Nelson Mandela’s 67 years’ service to public life. Stair number 67 of the 204 is in stainless steel with a little icon of Madiba.

Third, an additional two bells were hung, adding to the 23 – one commemorates the black soldiers from the Eastern Cape who died in 1917 when the SS Mendi sank in the English Channel during World War 1.

Four, the view from the top of the tower overlooking South End reminds us of the forced removals in 1963 when any property not owned by a white person was destroyed.

The resettlement of hundreds of people resulted.

This to remind us that this must never happen again in our history.

Fifth, the three exhibition rooms in the tower are available to be used for any kind of exhibition, thus incorporating all the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Sixth, the curved wall outside with the panels depicting the history of our city, by Mkonto Gwazela, resemble the African kraal and the tower, that resembles the European culture, come together to build one nation with 11 cultures.

Seventh, it is the start of Route 67 that takes us on a history, heritage and art route, with 67 Madiba quotations, 67 stairs, 67 pieces of art, etc.

We need to incorporate all our history as a people, learn about each other and build a nation without destruction.