Blue IQ attraction makes headway in Gauteng

THE construction process of the Gauteng government’s R299m heritage and tourism project, the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto – which forms part of the provincial government’s Blue IQ development initiatives - officially kicked off on Friday, June 27 with a sod-turning ceremony attended by community representatives and special dignitaries including Johannesburg mayor, Amos Masondo, Gauteng premier, Mbhazima Shilowa and the late Walter Sisulu’s son, Max Sisulu. Located between the residential areas of Eldorado Park, Pimville, Dlamini and Klipspruit West, the Kliptown project represents a historical landmark as the location where the 1955 Congress of the People took place resulting in the adoption of the Freedom Charter. Speaking at the ceremony, Shilowa said: “This project continues to demonstrate our efforts of establishing monuments that will help us celebrate our heroes and their contribution to our freedom.” Once completed the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication will comprise a monument, (called the Freedom Charter Monument), museum, formal and informal trading and an open area for community gatherings. Construction work is expected to be complete by June 26, 2005 coinciding with major celebrations across the country celebrating the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. (Adéle Mackenzie)