WHEN it's unveiled at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on National Women's Day on August 9, the Women's Memorial will be a major tourism drawcard and will be a "tribute to the indomitable spirit of the women of Africa."
This prediction was made by Bridgitte Mabandla, Minister for Arts, Culture, Science and Technology at the official launch of the project and announcement of the winning design on Monday, March 6.
This follows a competition launched by the minister inviting designs from the public for the memorial which commemorates the role South African women played in the struggle against apartheid. This includes the Anti-Pass March in 1956 when a number of women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in protest at the controversial pass law.
Sixty-four designs were submitted, with artist Wilma Cruise and architect Marcus Holmes having won the competition.
Cruise told Travel Now she was "delighted" at being part of such a historic project, which forms part of the government's Legacy Project to conserve SA's cultural and historical heritage.
She says that they have already begun work on the monument and she is confident it will be completed in time for its unveiling in August.
Other heritage projects include the Nelson Mandela Museum in Bisho, Eastern Cape and the Blood River Monument to be erected in KwaZulu Natal.
(Adele Mackenzie)
