By Nangamso Mabindla

Construction on the first phase of the R45-million Heroes Park memorial complex on the East London Esplanade is expected to be complete by the end of the month.

The park, a Section 21 company, will preserve and celebrate the history of the Eastern Cape.

"The complex has been established to commemorate the inspirational men and women of the Eastern Cape who have made significant, sterling contributions in all walks of life - be it in the fields of politics, education, sport, health or literature," says project co-ordinator Cynthia Nonkwelo.

Some of the people to be remembered included coelacanth discoverer Marjorie Courtney-Latimer, musician Dudu Phukwane, actor John Kani, playwright Athol Fugard, journalist Donald Woods, and activists Raymond Mhlaba and Walter Sisulu.

Once complete, the park - supported by the Buffalo City municipality and the Office of the Premier - will boast a water fountain symbolising life, a garden of remembrance to those unknown heroes, a wall of remembrance dedicated to heroes that have passed on, and a footprint promenade dedicated to living heroes. There will also be an amphitheatre for celebrations and commemorations.

Phase 1 of the project includes landscaping, paving, building the fountain and building the amphitheatre.

The park aims to become a prime tourist attraction. "As a tourist hub, it will house an exhibition area, curio shops, seminar room, restaurants, coffee shops and other related businesses," says Nonkwelo. "It is a fact that tourists wish to view history while also benefiting from the natural beauty of our country, such as the beaches."

A statue - multicultural man - has also been donated to the park by the Italian consul on behalf of the Nereto municipality. "We are especially proud to have been chosen to be part of an internationally shared vision," says Nonkwelo. "Only one statue is awarded per selected continent. The statue has been accepted by both the premier and the city mayor."

Brazil in South America, Canada in North America and Sydney in Australia are just some of the other places to have received such a statue. "Heroes Park has been identified as the home of Africa's one," says Nonkwelo.

"We will continue in our efforts to make the complex one of the best places to visit in Buffalo City."

Source: Buffalo City