WATCH | R22 million KZN statues of Mandela and Tambo to be unveiled early 2026

Nhlanhla Mabaso

15 December 2025 | 14:33

The Integrity Metro Municipality made the announcement last week that one of the statues belongs to former president Nelson Mandela and the other to former ANC leader and struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo.

Nelson Mandela

Two covered statues in the beachfront and at the Moses Mabhida Stadium are of Former president Nelson Mandela and Former ANC leader and Struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo. Picture Nhlanhla Mabaso/EWN

Have you ever wondered who those two statues, one situated at the beachfront and the other at Moses Mabhida Stadium represent? Some people have been making guesses, with some saying it’s Moses Mabhida himself.

The Integrity Metro Municipality made the announcement last week that one of the statues belongs to former president Nelson Mandela and the other to former ANC leader and struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo.

[WATCH] @eThekwiniM City Manager Musa Mbhele confirms that the two covered statues in the beachfront
and at the Moses Mabhida Stadium are of Former president Nelson Mandela and Former ANC leader and Struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo.

22 Million rand was used for both. @_NMabaso pic.twitter.com/8PwUW4DWK3
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) December 10, 2025

The municipality said they spent about R22 million on both statues and according to Municipal Manager Musa Mbele, this was the cheapest they could get.

Meanwhile, the Integrity Metro said they are still waiting for a date from the president for the unveiling, but have announced that it will take place early in 2026.