Over a month later, Mahatma Gandhi statue still not fixed
MBABANE - Over a month later, Mahatma Gandhi’s statue is still painted blue.
The statue located at Selection Park, Sandla in Mbabane was found vandalised by unknown people, who painted it blue, over a month ago.
Since that day, concerned citizens have wanted to know the next step to be taken by the High Commission of India in Eswatini to ensure that the statue was well protected.
Development
Michael Dlamini, the Communications Officer in the High Commission of India in Eswatini, said emaSwati would be informed about the latest development regarding Gandhi’s statue. He said the statue still remained the same since the day it was ruined by unknown people.
“Gandhi’s statue has not been fixed yet since the day we found it painted blue by unknown people. EmaSwati will be informed about the latest developments regarding the statue,” said Dlamini.
He said since the Eswatini and Indian governments were involved regarding Gandhi’s statue, they were, therefore, expected to come together and see what they could do to ensure that the statue was not destroyed again in future. He said because of that reason, discussions were ongoing at the moment.
“Since this matter involves two governments, discussions are ongoing as we speak. They are the ones who will come with a final decision regarding the statue’s safety,” he said.
He further said actions to restore the statue would be done soon. On the day the Gandhi’s statue was ruined, the High Commission of India urged all EmaSwati to recognise the true spirit of Gandhism and help them make Selection Park, Sandla, Mbabane an abode of peace and tranquility.
Message
The High Commission further stated that the bust represented the message of Mahatma Gandhi for instance; truth and non-violence which required immense courage to practice.
“The philosophy and principles preached by Mahatma Gandhi apply to those having political and social grievances in society even today. In accordance with India’s cherished principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’(World is One Family), we are enemies to none and friends to all,” stated the High Commission.
Worth noting is that the statue was made by a liSwati sculptor, Cain Tsabedze.
Gandhi was said to be a pivotal figure in the lives of Indian nationals, whose ultimate sacrifice and fight for truth and non-violence paved the way for freedom movements and independence of countries across the globe.