FALLEN heroes and heroines in Gugulethu, who contributed to the development of the township, will be honoured with a memorial monument.
Steering chairman for this project, Mzwandile Plaatjie, told Daily Sun the monument will be launched on 22 September in the Cape Town kasi.
"The objective of this monument is to honour the fallen heroes and heroines, including the living legends who contributed to the development of the township," he said.
Plaatjie said the monument was initiated by Gugulethu residents, but it will be owned by the City of Cape Town.
"This monument is for the people of Gugulethu. It will be located at the corner of Klipfontein Road and Steve Biko Drive. We believe that it will revive their spirit and enhance their sense of belonging. It will recognise ordinary people. We felt that history is written by ordinary people, but they're hardly recognised," he said.
"This project will add value in enhancing the image of the area and play a significant role in the improvement of relations between the community and its environment."
He said they chose this place because it used to be an entrance to Gugulethu township.
"Back in the years people were not allowed to enter this place without a permit. This is also the place where a child was shot dead by apartheid soldiers in Nyanga. So, this place has a huge significance to the people of Gugulethu," he said.
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According to Plaatjie, build up roadshows have been planned to engage with all sectors of the community and interested parties.
"This is the third ground breaking project for this 65-year old township in Cape Town. In 2018, Gugulethu township held the very first township celebrations ever, cross-cutting all sectors of the community for the entire 12 months.
"Again in 2022, Gugulethu unveiled its official logo as the very first township to have an official emblem in the country. This time around, the township which has and still continues to produce many shinning stars is planning to erect a Gugulethu monument," said Plaatjie.
He said a series of information gathering and sharing platforms will be arranged, leading to the unveiling of the monument in Heritage Month.
