The organisers of the Reclaiming Spaces Arts Festival, that was held two weeks ago in Kimberley and in which the Cecil John Rhodes statue was defaced with painted mud and a white cloth draped over the head, did so without a legal permit or authorisation.
Tshepo Tlhalogang, festival director, told NoordkaapBulletin they will clean the statue by 9 December, but failed to do so. Instead, he has been summoned by the Northern Cape Heritage Resources Authority (NCHRA) to explain why no prior permission and consultation was sought.
This comes after Dawie Griessel, FF Plus councillor, insisted the statue was vandalised.
“No-one was informed about the event. I view the painting of a statue as vandalism, without any prior consultations or permission from the heritage authorities.
“When we arrived at the scene, the people were very aggressive towards us. We waited two hours for the police to pitch, after which the activities were put to an end. The artists claim the municipality gave them permission and even installed temporary electricity for the sound system. This is not acceptable.”
The painting of the statue was part of a four-day festival, “Reclaiming Space: Awakening Social Sessions,” which included various artistic expressions and community engagement activities. The artists believe art has always been a powerful medium for challenging established narratives and encouraging reflection and conversation.
Tlhalogang says the festival is a platform “to some of the best artists in the country and Kimberley”.
“The aim of reclaiming spaces is for us to learn more about the history of Kimberley, especially the historical sites of trauma, and heritage sites which birthed Kimberley. During the festival, people could join Tai Chi sessions and listen to live music and sound as healing therapy. It was family-orientated with no alcohol allowed.”
Tlhalogang insists they did not damage the statue as they used clay to paint it, although people climbed on the statue to paint it.
“It is not damaged, I can promise you.”
He conceded he did not consult the NCHRA or experts before the event.
Andrew Timothy, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ngwao Boswa Jwa Kapa Bokone, or the NCHRA, says the statue of Rhodes stands as a significant historical monument reflecting the complex and often contentious legacy of colonialism in South Africa.
“Erected in the early 20th century, the statue commemorates Rhodes, a prominent figure in the British colonial administration and the diamond mining industry. While it represents an important part of the region’s history, it symbolises the oppressive policies and practices that were imposed on the local population during the colonial era.
“The recent artistic performance involved draping it with a white sheet and applying washable clay. They used non-permanent and easily removable material, demonstrating a respect for the physical integrity of the statue.
“It was intended as a symbolic act to provoke thought and dialogue about the legacy of colonialism and the historical impact on local communities.”
Timothy acknowledges that some view it as vandalism and feel it was inappropriate and disrespectful, while others argue it was a form of creative expression and social commentary.
“The Sol Plaatje Municipality gave permission, indicating a level of institutional support including providing access and power for lighting.”
While the NCHRA recognises the intent behind artistic expression, the statue is protected under the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA).
“Section 37 of the Act deals with the protection of heritage resources, including the prohibition of altering or defacing heritage sites without proper authorisation. Section 30 outlines penalties for contravening the Act.
“It should be known that Section 37 and 30 of the NHRA are not explicitly listed under the schedule of offences.”
He says the artists failed to obtain a heritage permit from the NCHRA to perform the act, and the statue was altered without consent.
The NCHRA requires the artists to restore the site to its previous condition.
They must rectify the alterations made, ensuring it is restored to its original condition. Also, they must complete it in a manner that would not cause any harm to the statue, and ensure it is completed on or before 20 December this year.
Failure to comply with this within the specified period will leave the NCHRA with no option but to seek legal action against the artists.
