Since the early 1990s, there have been significant transformations in the political systems of many African countries which have been portrayed from one monument to another.
When thinking about liberation movements or activists that have made a significant contribution to shaping African history, we often think of names like Nelson Mandela and Queen Moremi, to mention a few.
African countries are characterised by fragmentation in various aspects of their political economy, including their institutions of governance. Large segments of the rural populations, the overwhelming majority in most African countries, continue to adhere principally to traditional institutions, which have been greatly protected by African leaders in the past. Here are five iconic statues and monuments that accentuate African history, politics, and culture.
5 Iconic Monuments in Africa
Nelson Mandela Statue (South Africa)
The bronze statue honouring the late former South African president and anti-apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela, was built in June 2013 to end the official 10-day period of mourning for the dearly loved former state president. Reaching up to 29 feet, it is the sixth-highest statue in Africa.
The R8-million bronze statue, which stands nine metres tall, is situated near Pretoria’s Union Buildings. This is not to be confused with the six-meter-tall Nelson Mandela statue in Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Plaza.
Queen Moremi Statue of Liberty (Nigeria)
Queen Moremi is revered by the Yoruba people as the epitome of selflessness, bravery, and wisdom. She has been immortalised in several ways with books about her, public places named after her, and the grandest of all, the Queen Moremi Statue of Liberty, which was erected in 2016 by Oba Ogunwusi in the Ife palace.
The 42-foot statue is the tallest in Nigeria and the fourth tallest in Africa.
Jomo Kenyatta Monument (Kenya)
Given that it has been on the back of Kenyan currency for a very long time, this monument is perhaps one of the most well-known in the nation.
The Jomo Kenyatta statue is the creation of James Butler, a British artist. In 1969, it was sculpted, and in 1973, it was presented.
The first president of the Republic of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, is revered as a true son of Africa. He is revered as the founding father of the nation of Kenya.
The cast bronze statue was produced in its entirety in England, down to the very last detail. It was then transported from London to Mombasa by container, transported to Nairobi by truck, and placed in its present location.
Outside the Kenyatta International Convention Center is where this monument is situated (KICC).
The Independence Monument (Uganda)
The Independence Monument is the most significant monument in Uganda. It is located along Speke Road in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The Independence Monument is very significant to Uganda’s heritage and past events, it depicts the most memorable event in Uganda’s political world that when she was granted independence by the British colonial administrators. Uganda received independence on October 9, 1962, and to commemorate this important moment, the independence monument was constructed. The monument was constructed in the days leading up to the independence and was funded by the British colonial government.
The structure of this monument depicts a man unwrapping his child and raising it to touch the sky, meaning a newly born country that has just been let free from the bondage of colonial rule. The independence monument was built and put up by Gregory Maloba.
The Freedom Statute (Zambia)
The majestic 12-foot Freedom Warrior statue in Lusaka, Zambia, was unveiled by President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda on the tenth anniversary of independence in 1974.
The statue represents the end of colonialism’s shackles and pays tribute to all Freedom Warriors. The statue, which now claims to be of Zanco Mpundu Mutembo, has a history of its own.
An imprisoned protester from Zambia named Mutembo was warned that he would be shot if he couldn’t free himself from his chains. He managed to remove the chains in an extraordinary manner. Every year on May 25, the monument serves as the focal point for the commemoration of Africa Independence Day.
Given the significance of the statue, it appears on every Kwatcha note and coin produced in Zambia.