S. African Parliament concerned over defacing of colonial era monuments

South African MPs on Thursday voiced concern over the ongoing defacing of colonial era monuments around the country.

"These acts of criminality are in no way adding value to the critical dialogue that needs to happen as the country continues in efforts to create a prosperous life for all South Africans," the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture (PCAC) said.

This came after the statue of Louis Botha outside Parliament was defaced, allegedly by members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a radical group.

Botha was an Afrikaner and first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa -- the forerunner of the modern South African state.

Two men, believed to be members of the EFF, have been arrested for allegedly defacing Botha's statue, but the EFF has not confirmed the reports.

In addition to Botha's statue, several other statues of outstanding apartheid figures have also been defaced or vandalised.

The PCAC said it is of the view that all citizens, irrespective of race, culture or creed, must constructively engage each other on the best ways to learn from the past while creating a joint future for everyone.

"Despite our different views on South Africa's history, what remains important is our ability as a country to engage each other as taught by the late former President Nelson Mandela," said Xoliswa Tom, Chairperson of the Committee.

Furthermore, the committee wishes to highlight that defacing these statues is merely the spark that will ignite further polarisation among South Africans, Tom said.

The committee is also of the view that while the country's dark history cannot be celebrated, the nation can continue to reflect on the past so that the country is aware of where it comes from.

The committee urged the government to speed up the initiation of processes toward the dialogue which must then decide on the best way to preserve and learn from everything about the past.

"It is only through a process of constructive dialogue that the country can move forward to a more prosperous future for everyone, " said the committee. Endi