Graaff-Reinet war memorial vandalised
The well-known war memorial in Angel Park, Graaff-Reinet, has been vandalised, though there does not appear to be any political motive.
A large copper plaque and other copper decorations were stolen from the base of the statue late last week.
According to Brian Hough, chair of the local heritage association, the iconic “angel” of Angel Park is in fact a representation of the Greek goddess of victory in war and peace, Nike.
“We will bring the matter to the attention of the police, but unfortunately we have no idea at this stage who the perpetrators could be or what the true motive for the vandalism was,” Hough said.
The heritage association will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the damage.
They will compare the statue with pre-vandalism photographs provided by members of the community.
In the wake of the #BlackLivesMatter movements, statues across the world have been torn down.
The war memorial was erected in honour of the men from the Graaff-Reinet district who lost their lives in World War 1.
Generous donations received from the community bore fruit and the war memorial was officially unveiled by Prince Arthur of Connaught, grandson of Queen Victoria, on November 7 1923.
Years later, an additional plaque was added to the base of the statue, listing the names of men from Graaff-Reinet who fought and lost their lives in World War 2.
It is this large plaque that was unceremoniously removed from the memorial last week.
Anziske Kayster, manager of the Graaff-Reinet Museum Complex, said the preservation of all heritage treasures representing SA history should receive priority.
“From my position as heritage practitioner and researcher I have come to the conclusion that history always becomes relevant, whether it is 10 years or 1,000 years from now.
“It is influenced by the meaning we attach to heritage products at certain moments in time.
“When we destroy heritage products, we destroy not only proof of our history, but also the possibility for respect and tolerance we should have for each other.
“This just leads to more division and future tension — but I should add that this is the case specifically when vandalism has a political motive.
“Judging from comments on social media on the specific matter at hand, it could likely be normal theft with no specific political connection.”