The Cape Flats is fast becoming a must-visit attraction in Cape Town and continues to play a significant role in shaping the city’s unique identity. With its appealing offerings focussing on art, history, culture, food and adventure, a trip to one of the many Cape Flats areas is worth adding to your must-see neighbourhoods the next time you’re in the Mother City.
The Cape Flats is vast, with each area offering unique charm. Travellers visiting the Cape Flats can explore Athlone, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, and Langa. We recommend booking tour guides who know the area well to help you make the most of your visit.
Anita Hermanus from the popular Aunty Nita’s Tours, hosts tours in the Cape Flats daily.
She said: “The Cape Flats is dynamic and ever-changing. Its people are vibrant, musical and passionate and exhibit a tenacity that comes from the trials they have endured. There’s an indescribable vibe on the Cape Flats that you can’t find anywhere else in Cape Town.”
Art, Culture and History
Langa Pass Museum in Langa
Go back in time when you visit the Langa Pass Museum. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia documenting the history of Cape Town’s oldest township and what life was like for black South Africans during the Apartheid era. The museum aims to inform and educate present and future generations.
Visits to the museum are by appointment only.
Location: Corner of King Langalibalele and Lerotholi Avenues, Langa Contact: Call 084 949 2153 or 021 694 8320
Gugulethu Seven Memorial in Gugulethu
The Gugulethu Seven Memorial consists of seven granite statue-like constructions sculpted by South African artists Donovan Ward and Paul Hendricks. The memorial was built to commemorate the murder of seven young black activists from the Cape township who were killed by the South African Apartheid police in 1986.
Location: Gugulethu Memorial, Corner of NY1 and NY111, Gugulethu
RLabs (Reconstructed Living Lab) in Athlone
RLabs is an award-winning non-profit company that started on the Cape Flats in 2009. The main aim of RLabs is to create environments and systems where people are impacted positively through hope, innovation, and opportunity. RLabs hosts regular events like First Thursdays in and around the Cape Flats areas. The events aim to showcase local talent and bring together the community.
Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways in Strandfontein
Catering to “all those who love good food”, Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways in Strandfontein serves up an assortment of delicious fast-food options. For an authentic Cape Town experience, grab a few friends and tuck into one of their mouthwatering gatsbys.
Location: No 2 Admirals Drive, Strandfontein Contact: Call 073 110 1106 or email wajidtikka@gmail.com
Rands Cape Town in Khayelitsha
Rands Cape Town is a popular lifestyle space in Adventure through Khayelitsha”>Khayelitsha, known for its live entertainment, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind events featuring top South African artists. Officially launched by brothers Mfundo and Mshayi Mbeki in 2015, Rands has fast become one of Cape Town’s most sought-after hangout spots for those planning an unforgettable night out.
Anita created Aunty Nita’s Tours in 2017 with the aim to put the Cape Flats on the map. Born and raised in the area, Aunty Nita is passionate about sharing the Cape Flat’s culture, history and compelling stories with travellers. Her tours, which include full day and walking tours, showcase the untapped aspect of Cape culture and food.
Khayelitsha’s first one-stop bicycle shop offers guided cycling tours for anyone eager to explore the area on two wheels. If you want to improve your skills before hitting the road, try their learn-to-cycle classes for adults and teenagers. Try the half- or full-day Coffee, Art, and Bikes tour, or let the team create a personalised package for you.
The Let’s Make a Deal game show host came out as pansexual in August 2023, and has since opened up about being able to finally live his life authentically.
“I don’t give a f–k anymore,” Brady exclusively told Us Weekly at the Advocate + Out Pride cover launch party in June 2024. “I no longer walk around with shame or fear of blackmail — and that’s the biggest thing.”
After initially not knowing about pansexuality, Brady began looking into what it meant to be attracted to all genders.
“I had to do research and find out what it was that I (am),” he told People on the red carpet at the 2024 GLAAD Awards, where he served as host of the awards show. “The biggest misconception — and I even make a joke about it onstage tonight — is that people think that you’re an indecisive bisexual. No, no. Let me set you straight.”
He continued, “What the definition basically boils down to is, regardless of gender, regardless. So that means that I am happily free to fall in love with anybody here. If you’re gay, if you’re straight, if you’re non-binary, trans, I don’t care. It’s the person, which in my mind is the ultimate in acceptance and loving.”
Brady first came out to his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa, and their daughter, Maile Brady, and was met with unwavering support.
“I just said, ‘Great.’ As I knew coming out would help him be happier,” Taketa said while recalling their initial conversation about her ex’s sexuality. Brady’s daughter’s response was similar.
“I just said, ‘Okay,’” she told People at the time, breaking into a grin.
Keep reading for everything Wayne Brady has said about coming out as pansexual.
Why Coming Out Made Him a Better Dad
In an interview with People published on January 17, 2026, the TV host shared how his decision to come out as pansexual impacted him as a parent.
“I feel lighter, because I’m me,” Brady told the outlet. “That lets me be a better actor. Lets me be a better performer onstage. Lets me be a better dad. Lets me be a better partner to someone someday. I’m happier, I’m brighter.”
His Path to Self-Discovery
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Brady shared in August 2023 that the death of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams “really impacted” him and sent him on his journey to figuring out who he was. (Williams died by suicide in 2014. He was 63 years old.)
“After Robin’s death, I got involved in certain groups, like Glenn Close‘s group, Bring Change to Mind, being very vocal about mental health,” he told People. “Once I opened that door to myself though, I had to start learning about myself, and I had to start owning up to things that maybe I’d either repressed, suppressed, or just didn’t wanna deal with.”
He explained, “I gave joy at work. But the pity is then I come home, and I don’t have that joy. I have joy because I love my daughter and I love my family. I love being a dad more than chocolate ice cream. But that can’t be my only joy. I have to love myself. And that’s when I realized that I had a problem because if I can spend everything on stage and on camera but then I come home and there is a love deficit, what is going on?”
Love Addiction
The Bold and the Beautiful actor got candid about how going to therapy for love addiction helped him process his sexuality.
“It’s a part of my journey,” he shared. “I had to start examining why I was looking for myself and happiness in a slew of people. If I marry this person, then everything will be fine. If I date this person, everything will be fine. I’ll be good. I’ll be fixed. That is obviously a problem.”
Brady added, “And so, in doing that work, I now know absolutely that love addiction is borne of trauma. I can’t feel any shame around that, just like I wouldn’t shame somebody if they said they were addicted to meth or cocaine. That’s a sickness.”
Reflection
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Brady also reflected on his coming out journey in an Instagram post in August 2023.
“The people I admire the most are the ones brave enough to be themselves unapologetically,” he wrote in part. “This shouldn’t shake anyone’s world, but if it bothers you at all, that’s your business: I was so afraid of having my manhood questioned, but screw that. A ‘real man’ in my eyes, isn’t afraid to be honest and happy. From now on, I’ll be over here living my best life!”
Facing Fears
Brady exclusively told Us in June 2024 that he feared coming out as pansexual would upend his professional life.
“I didn’t know how I would get past the hurdle of care,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, if I say certain things, will I lose some of the audience that watches my shows, and that watch the daytime shows, and will I lose this?’”
He added, “I actually care very much because I love my job. But if you can’t accept me as a person, then maybe my humor isn’t for you. Maybe you shouldn’t be watching me [or] maybe you shouldn’t support me. There’s somebody else who spews a little more flavor of hate that you can go and hang out with.”
Reality Show
Unique Nicole/Getty Images
Brady and his blended family will be featured in the new Hulu and Freeform reality series, Wayne Brady: The Family Remix, set to air in July 2024.
“Not only do I feel proud showing it, [but] I feel a sense of responsibility,” he told Us. “I think that for a young woman [like] my daughter growing up, watching her mother and her father have a relationship that doesn’t work out in the conventional sense, but seeing her father love her mother, support her mother, and her mother support her father, and we say, ‘We are here and we have each other,’ and there’s nothing acrimonious, that there’s love, I think that goes a long way towards her relationship model.”
Enjoy Cape Town without spending a fortune. The Mother City offers plenty of fun activities that cost under R50. Here are 50 of our favourite things to do in Cape Town for R50 or less:
Nature And Adventure
1. Walking Tours Of The City
Learn more about the city, its history, and other interesting facts during a Free Walking Tour. You can opt for a historic city tour, an Apartheid to Freedom tour, or a Bo-Kaap tour. As you hear more about the history, take some time to soak in the city’s glorious views.
This family-friendly space is perfect for picnics, walks or runs, or if you want some R&R after a long day. With a host of facilities like a biodiversity showcase garden, an outdoor labyrinth or maze, an open field, an amphitheatre, an outdoor gym and a play park for the kids, this is a park worth exploring.
You cannot visit Cape Town and not try some of our hiking routes in and around the city. Some popular hikes to explore include Lion’s Head, The Pipe Track and Woodstock Cave, which are ideal for beginners.
The more adventurous can explore Platteklip Gorge, which takes you to the top of Table Mountain, or Newlands Forest, hailed as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Mother City. Don’t forget to follow the hiking rules to keep yourself safe.
Price: Free
4. Trail Running
Trail running is equally popular in the city, with each route showcasing a unique experience. The Devil’s Peak 5,3 km route, for example, starts at the top of the Devil’s Peak Estate and goes from the gravel paths to Rhodes Memorial. We also recommend Constantia Nek.
Price: Free, but some charge a fee, depending on where you go.
5. V&A Waterfront Marine Wildlife Walk
Take a scenic stroll around the V&A Waterfront and meet some of its wildlife residents. The Marine Wildlife Walk includes 8 lookout points across the neighbourhood, where you can spot animals such as otters, sunfish, seals, birds, and jellyfish.
With the spectacular backdrop of the Cape Fold Mountain range and breathtaking views, Cape Town is home to some of the most scenic beaches in the world. There are a lot of beaches to choose from since the Indian and Atlantic Oceans border our coastal city.
Here are some of the best beaches you can visit in our beautiful city.
Price: Free
7. Swim in a Tidal Pool
Tidal pools are rocky pools built along our coastline that provide a safe, family-friendly place to swim and play. These man-made pools along Cape Town’s coast are also the perfect environments for plants and creatures like octopi, sea slugs, anemones, sea hares, cuttlefish, or iridescent seaweed.
Price: Free
8. Visit The Penguins at Boulders Beach
Spend a day with the famous colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach, voted among the world’s most unique experiences. Find a spot in the sand as you watch the penguins roam in their natural habitat. Or you can take a dip in the False Bay Ocean.
The V&A Waterfront’s rich and varied history dates back to 1654, with over 22 landmarks. Grab a map at the Information Centre and enjoy a self-guided historic walk.
At Cape Town, the outdoor experiences are endless, with many of them free to discover. You can take in our incredible sunsets on Signal Hill, feed the squirrels in the Company’s Garden, join in a game of beach volleyball on Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, take a walk along the Sea Point Promenade, or get mindful with a sunset yoga session on the beach…the options are endless.
Price: Free
11. Ratanga Park
Once known as Ratanga Junction, this park is ideal for those who want to walk, jog or relax in a peaceful setting. Not as crowded as other parks, this Century City attraction also boasts grand views of the canals, Table Mountain, and surrounding areas.
Price: Free
12. Get Active at Battery Park
This 1.2-hectare park forms part of the V&A Waterfront’s Canal District, lined with shops, art, and adventure. Key attractions include the skate and scooter park, a piazza, a basketball/mini soccer multi-court, and the canal. Each area of the park has public walking paths and benches.
Enjoy a scenic walk to Just Nuisance’s grave in Simon’s Town. The famous dog is believed to be the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. The steps begin on Barnard Street and lead up to the Navy Signals area where the grave is. Please note the climb can be challenging. You’ll also find a bronze statue of the dog on Jubilee Square.
The award-winning Durbanville Rose Garden allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature as they stroll through the gardens. People enjoy visiting during summer and spring for its spectacular bloom, with many capturing photos for special occasions. There are short walking trails and scenic spots to sit back and enjoy the views.
The beautiful Polkadraai Strawberry Farm is in Stellenbosch. Besides strawberry picking, which takes place between September and January, children can also enjoy face painting, pony rides, mini golf, and other fun activities for under R50.
Prices:
Tractor Ride: R25 per person Pedal Karts: R25 per person Pony Rides: R25 per child Face Painting: R25 per child Arts and Crafts: R40 per craft Strawberry Picking: From R60 per person
One of the oldest wine-producing farms in South Africa, Groot Constantia boasts fine examples of Dutch architecture and has been producing wine on the estate since 1685. You can amble around the leafy grounds or take the free VoiceMap audio tours to explore the farm and learn about its rich history. Choose from three exciting audio tours, which explore different aspects of Groot Constantia.
Kalk Bay is a firm favourite destination for all types of travellers. Known for its array of eateries lining the main road, bustling colourful harbour and quirky little shops, this little seaside suburb is great for families and solo travellers.
Price: Free
18. Watch the Wildlife at Rondevlei Nature Reserve
A hidden gem in the suburb of Grassy Park, Rondevlei is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The nature reserve is home to about 230 bird species, a variety of small mammals and reptiles, and is the only nature reserve in Cape Town with a hippopotamus population.
Discover a new world at Intaka Island, an award-winning 16-hectare wetlands and bird sanctuary in Century City, the perfect place for the entire family. Home to 212 species of indigenous fynbos plants and 120 bird species, Intaka is at the forefront of nature conservation and urban development co-existing in harmony.
Muizenberg Catwalk is an easy 3 km flat walk, but the journey is an adventure. Along the route, you can go whale and dolphin watching, swim in the numerous rock pools, watch birds, or simply enjoy the view. The walk begins at Surfer’s Corner Beach in Muizenberg and ends at Danger Beach in St James.
Warning: You will get wet during high tide.
Price: Free
Play
21. The Magic Company at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
The Magic Company at GrandWest has all the fun needed for kids and teens or adults looking to free their inner child to enjoy. You can race a superbike, shoot some hoops, hit a strike in ten-pin bowling, immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience in the X Rider, try out the Lazer Zone, or compete in a friendly game of ice hockey.
Situated in Mouille Point, mini golf is probably the best value for money for any outdoor activity anywhere in Cape Town. Families with small kids, couples on dates, and groups of friends all congregate here to test their putting skills.
The Attic Exhibition, at the City Hall, tells the story of the development of Cape Town, through the art and artefacts that have been bought or donated over many years. This makes a fun activity for the entire family. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9 am-3 pm.
Did you know that almost half of the world’s gemstones can be found in South Africa And you could scratch for these gems right here in Cape Town! The Scratch Patch, located both at V&A Waterfront and in Simon’s Town, is a fun way to dig for your beautiful gems. The gem exhibitions and shops are worth a visit afterward.
Enjoy putt putt in a cave-like setting. It’s fun for the whole family and is next door to the Scratch Patch. This indoor activity can be enjoyed in all types of weather.
Stop and smell the roses, then pick ’em. The Chart Farm in Wynberg boasts a wide variety of roses, well-loved for their incredible fragrance. Choose and pick your own bunch of heavenly-scented blooms from the rose garden or select some freshly picked ones instead.
Price:R10 per stem if you pick your own and R12 per stem for picked roses Website:www.chartfarm.co.za/roses
27. Bloemendal Trail Park
Young and old can get their bike on at Bloemendal Trail Park, located in the Durbanville Wine Valley, between the slopes of the Tygerberg Hill and Kanonberg terrain. The rugged trails are perfect for avid bike riders and running enthusiasts. The best part? The routes cater to everyone from beginner to advanced levels.
There is a café on the premises for those who want to grab a bite to eat.
The Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town is lined with dinky toys, dolls, collections of model cars, boats, trains, aeroplanes, and other miscellaneous vintage toys. Check out memorabilia from the 70s and 80s.
Iziko Museums in Cape Town offer insight into South Africa’s natural and cultural history. The exhibits range from 700-million-year-old fossils to insects, fish, dinosaurs and wildlife menageries and everything space-related at the Planetarium. There are also stone tools dating back 120 000 years ago, traditional clothes from the last century and authentic beadwork.
Locally known as “The Castle” this bastion fort is considered the best-preserved example of a 17th-century architectural structure in the world. A bell tower, situated over the main entrance, was built in 1684. The original bell, also known as the oldest in South Africa, was cast in Amsterdam in 1697 and weighs just over 300 kilograms.
The Castle also acted as the local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape, and today houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments.
Many of the Cape Town markets offer live entertainment. Mojo Market in Sea Point, Time Out Market Cape Town, and Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay showcase local artists and a place where people can shop and indulge in local cuisine.
The Guga Sthebe Arts & Culture Centre in the Langa township is a public space dedicated to the arts. The centre has a gathering space, an amphitheatre, an arts and crafts shop and a multipurpose theatre.
If you want to learn salsa and get your hips swinging on the dance floor, head to Mojo Market for their free beginner Salsa classes every Sunday at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome, whether you are single, a couple, or in a group. Be sure to stay afterward for the Salsa Party featuring a hot line-up of DJs, unique bars and food stalls.
On the first Thursday of every month, arts and culture in Cape Town come alive, with dozens of art galleries and cultural events showcasing the wealth of local talent in the city. To ensure your First Thursday caters to your own specific preferences, organisers provide a map and highlights of what is on show.
Take a drive to Woodstock and marvel at the various murals on buildings, walls and even fences. Most of the artwork is either created via proposal or commission and spreads the message of community.
Price: Free
36. Visit the Taunina Studio
Head to the Taunina studio in Woodstock for some teddy bear art. At Taunina, you’ll find iconic hand-embroidered one-of-a-kind teddy bears, each with its unique design. The artists behind the teddy bears are all women from disadvantaged communities who are provided full-time employment by Taunina.
37. Entertainment at the Amphitheatre and Live Marimba Bands at V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront’s open-air Amphitheatre offers guests exciting live entertainment all year round. Head over to V&A Waterfront’s events page for the latest updates. There are also marimba bands playing in the area. Follow the sounds and you’ll easily spot them.
The Old Biscuit Mill has it all, from goods markets, eateries, and fresh produce. From baked goods and speciality coffee to artisanal and gourmet foods at the Neighbourgoods Market, a weekend market, there is something for everyone.
Voted as one of the best ice cream spots in Cape Town, Unframed Ice Cream produces some of the finest artisanal ice creams around. They sell dairy, vegan and sorbet ice creams. Try some of their unique flavours like vegan spicy mango, Coco Pops, chocolate tahini, and pineapple, red pepper, lime sorbet.
Stellski in Woodstock and Bree Street is the perfect spot to get your authentic coffee fix. Their coffee beans are ethically sourced in Africa and are optimally roasted to ensure the aroma, body, acidity and flavours of the coffee.
The market takes place every Thursday and Friday night from 4pm to 10pm in Muizenberg. Here, you can enjoy mouth-watering meals, baked goods, handpicked South African wines, craft beer, and a kid’s area.
Named one of Cape Town’s coolest baristas, Moses Lebofa is taking his coffee business, Coffee by Moses, to a whole new level at Makers Landing. Expect a good cup of authentic African coffee with tastes ranging from liquorice to citrusy. Moses’ coffee is sourced from all over Africa so expect different notes with each cup.
Aegir Project Brewery offers an impressive selection of craft beers. Each beer pairs perfectly with their generous menu, which features many options . There’s also a kiddies’ play area to keep the little ones entertained.
If you like good coffee served in a gritty and industrialised environment, then try Truth Coffee. Walking into Truth Coffee feels like you’re walking into a Victorian futuristic fantasy. Think steampunk lovers will be in awe of the well-thought décor. More important than the interior is the coffee: strong, hot and full of flavour.
Situated on Belgravia Road in Athlone, Wembley Roadhouse is known for its legendary Wembley Whopper and hotdogs. This old-school roadhouse is the perfect spot to satisfy those late-night cravings.
Looking for that perfect bolla, koesister or snowball? Or perhaps you’d prefer a cupcake with an indulgent filling? Little Cupcake Bakery has it all, from savouries, doughnuts and bread to assorted cupcakes, tarts, cookies and cheesecakes.
Crust Café in Gardens is a haven for baked goods enthusiasts, offering some of the most delectable treats in the city. Their homemade croissants and muffins are perfect for a satisfying breakfast.
Enjoy mouth-watering Indian street food with Kapoochka’s wide range of traditional eats. Their crispy fired samoosas are to die for and will satisfy any craving. Their traditional poochkas are one of their signature dishes packed with layers of flavour. You’ll find them at Maker’s Landing at V&A Waterfront and Time Market Cape Town.
Located between the bustling streets of Loop and Bree, Honest Chocolate is a quaint corner artisanal chocolate company that serves some of the city’s best hot chocolate.
Of course, a visit isn’t complete without trying their range of chocolates, some inspired by Cape Town and South Africa’s unique food scene. Dairy-free options are also available. Honest Chocolate also serves a selection of chocolate truffles, tarts and cakes.
They came from all over the world to visit one of Catholicism’s most famous shrines.
Over 270,000 pilgrims gathered at the sanctuary of Fátima in Portugal on Monday, to celebrate the first reported apparition of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children on 13 May 1917.
The Catholic Church believes the Virgin Mary visited the children six times and divulged the Three Secrets of Fátima, a series of prophecies, to them.
This year, Catholic devotees also prayed for newly elected Pope Leo XIV and for global peace.
“I imagine that Leo XIV will soon visit this shrine, which is the centre of Marian spirituality, not only in Portugal, but throughout the world”, said Father Juan Carlos López.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, visited Fátima twice. In 2017, he canonised two of the shephered children for the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions. He returned to the shrine during his trip to Portugal for the 2023 World Youth Day.
This year’s pilgrimage takes places after Pope Leo’s first Sunday address as pontiff in St. Peter’s Square, during which he called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.
“I too address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war'”, Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“He is the Pope that the Holy Spirit has chosen to manage the Church in these difficult times and I believe he will do it very well”, Father Juan Carlos López said from Fátima.
A total of 6.2 million people visited the Fátima shrine in 2024.
The original statue of the Virgin of Fátima will travel to Rome in October, to celebrate the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, the cult of the Virgin Mary. It will be the statue’s fourth travel to the Vatican.
The controversial statue of Ghana’s immediate past President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has been destroyed, sparking a wave of reactions across the country.
The statue, unveiled in November in the Western Region to honor Akufo-Addo’s development initiatives, had faced heavy criticism since its installation.
Many citizens and critics derided the move as an act of “self-glorification” amid widespread economic challenges.
Images circulating in the media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, its severed head lying on the ground. The torso was also destroyed, leaving behind only a damaged pedestal.
The motives behind the destruction remain unclear, with police yet to comment on the incident.
This is not the first time the statue had been targeted; one of its legs was partially vandalized last month. Despite local authorities pledging to repair it, the statue has now been completely reduced to rubble.
Mixed Reactions
The destruction has elicited divided opinions from residents and commentators. Some see it as an inevitable outcome, reflecting public frustration, while others have condemned the act as uncivil.
One resident expressed indifference, telling Citi FM, “It was of no benefit to the people, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.”
In contrast, another resident lamented the method, suggesting, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed. Actions like this could have negative consequences for supporters of his party.”
However, not all reactions were tempered. Joy FM quoted an individual celebrating the act, stating, “I’m happy it’s been destroyed.”
Backlash Since Unveiling
The statue’s unveiling in November came amid a dire economic situation in Ghana, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. The country has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, culminating in a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
Critics questioned the use of public funds for the statue, labeling it tone-deaf as Ghanaians struggled with rising living costs. President John Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s party in a landslide victory last month, had previously criticized the statue as insensitive.
“It is up to the people to honor a leader for their achievements,” Mahama said, emphasizing that such projects were ill-timed.
The controversial statue of Ghana’s immediate past President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has been destroyed, sparking a wave of reactions across the country.
The statue, unveiled in November in the Western Region to honor Akufo-Addo’s development initiatives, had faced heavy criticism since its installation.
Many citizens and critics derided the move as an act of “self-glorification” amid widespread economic challenges.
Images circulating in the media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, its severed head lying on the ground. The torso was also destroyed, leaving behind only a damaged pedestal.
The motives behind the destruction remain unclear, with police yet to comment on the incident.
This is not the first time the statue had been targeted; one of its legs was partially vandalized last month. Despite local authorities pledging to repair it, the statue has now been completely reduced to rubble.
Mixed Reactions
The destruction has elicited divided opinions from residents and commentators. Some see it as an inevitable outcome, reflecting public frustration, while others have condemned the act as uncivil.
One resident expressed indifference, telling Citi FM, “It was of no benefit to the people, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.”
In contrast, another resident lamented the method, suggesting, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed. Actions like this could have negative consequences for supporters of his party.”
However, not all reactions were tempered. Joy FM quoted an individual celebrating the act, stating, “I’m happy it’s been destroyed.”
Backlash Since Unveiling
The statue’s unveiling in November came amid a dire economic situation in Ghana, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. The country has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, culminating in a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
Critics questioned the use of public funds for the statue, labeling it tone-deaf as Ghanaians struggled with rising living costs. President John Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s party in a landslide victory last month, had previously criticized the statue as insensitive.
“It is up to the people to honor a leader for their achievements,” Mahama said, emphasizing that such projects were ill-timed.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon has unveiled three monuments in the capital Cotonou to remind citizens to celebrate their historical heroes.
The monuments include the garden of Mathieu, the statue of King Bio Guera and that of the Amazon.
Mathieu’s gardens is in honor of former President Mathieu Kérékou. The gardens are part of the project embellish the city of Cotonou, a showcase city of the country.
The giant Amazon statue has long fueled controversy in the country. Called “Esplanade des Amazones”, this square houses a majestic statue of a warrior woman considered for some as Queen Tassi Hangbè and for others, the portrait of a Beninese Amazon.
Benin’s President said “We don’t celebrate enough of what is gratifying in us, and in others, enough to instill pride in ourselves and in our community. What we sing daily to the point of sometimes baptizing them “Beninoiseries”.
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“It is time to be aware and proud of what we are Benin: the successful fusion of these ancient great kingdoms and peoples that are the baatonou, berba, wassangari, yoruba, adja, fon, goun, waama, batammariba, yom , peulh, and many others; each as deserving as the other,” added President Patrice Talon.
In the coming weeks Malawians will be surprised seeing late Bingu WA Mutharika statue standing at Parliament building in Lilongwe.
This remind us of the change of national flag that was changed with a white Sun in 2011 by this very people of DPP.
This also reminds us of unpopular laws of farting and many draconian bills that were passed unilaterally by the ruling party dominance in parliament of the time.
As long as politicians take their greed decisions without national consensus Malawi is heading towards doom without a future.
After Kamuzu Banda no leader has come to transform the country where people matters.
DPP government and Peter Mutharika scared of losing the forthcoming elections are in a desperate moment to plant their evil deeds.
Planting statues of people of national importance is not wrong as long as people are asked or consulted.
Malawi parliament is another docile house which watches as the Executive branch destroys national direction.
Malawi parliament has failed to push for the apprehension of MK577 billion, MK61 billion, it has failed to stop or impeach Peter Mutharika for chronic corruption that has brought this country on its knees.
You don’t need to be in majority for you to push for national direction.
EFF a third largest party in Parliament in South Africa has managed to save South Africa from “state capture” that was to bring the country down.
President Jacob Zuma the most popular leader after Nelson Mandela was recalled because of Julius Malemas EFF.
In Malawi members of parliament care much about allowances and loans but do no good for the house and people.
If we let political parties do as they please our nation has no future.
Erection of statues must be in line with national direction agreed upon by all political parties and counter approved by citizens.
With family political parties we have in Malawi we will end up seeing statues of politicians instead of better roads, schools and hospitals.
I for one do not approve the statue of Bingu WA Mutharika before we think of development that touches souls of citizens across the national status.
To be a president is a job of salary, retirement package and many benefits. Why would we build statues of thieves who stole our taxes meant for development?
They were being paid and have benefits why honoring them when to the larger part of their service they stole a lot from us?
Malawi wake up! Politicians must not be left unchecked, we will end up with statues of thieves and killers all over.
Just as we rejected Mahatma Gandhi statue we also vehemently oppose the pillar praising Bingu WA Mutharika.
Memories of MK61 billion and the blood of 20 innocent citizens have not been forgotten and wounds are still paining.
What type of a nation praise such people?
We are a cursed nation!!!!! Brighter minds must fight and save this nation from this state capture by thieves and greedy figureheads who failed to make a name with their sweat, now are making through theft and our duftness. Dzuka Malawi dzuka!
Saunders Jumah the Utopian MALAWI ENGAGEMENT GROUP [MAENGA]
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or the Editor of Maravi Post
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