Sol Plaatje bronze statue
Set in characteristic pose, the statue of Kimberley's famous author, linguist, translator and first Secretary General of the African National Congress, Sol Plaatje, can be seen at the Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens off Jan Smuts Boulevard.
The monument, sculpted by Johan Moolman, features the literary icon in a sitting position. Moolman's idea was to show Plaatje's peaceful, non-violent nature by sculpting his legs in a relaxed position. His philosophical, intellectual and literary mind is reflected in his alert upper body. Other reliefs around the monument were intended to encapsulate elements of Plaatje's life. A picture of Plaatje the newspaper editor reflects his journalistic side. To the left of that plaque is an image of William Shakespeare, which tells the story of Plaatje's noteworthy translations of the Bard's works. In the final plaque, Moolman uses powerful imagery to depict the 1913 Land Act. Michelangelo's Adam and Eve has been reinterpreted to show two people cowering from a policeman holding a baton. Underneath that, Halley's Comet symbolises imminent disaster.
The statue was unveiled by President Jacob Zuma on the afternoon of 9th January 2010, following the 98th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC).
The monument, sculpted by Johan Moolman, features the literary icon in a sitting position. Moolman's idea was to show Plaatje's peaceful, non-violent nature by sculpting his legs in a relaxed position. His philosophical, intellectual and literary mind is reflected in his alert upper body. Other reliefs around the monument were intended to encapsulate elements of Plaatje's life. A picture of Plaatje the newspaper editor reflects his journalistic side. To the left of that plaque is an image of William Shakespeare, which tells the story of Plaatje's noteworthy translations of the Bard's works. In the final plaque, Moolman uses powerful imagery to depict the 1913 Land Act. Michelangelo's Adam and Eve has been reinterpreted to show two people cowering from a policeman holding a baton. Underneath that, Halley's Comet symbolises imminent disaster.
The statue was unveiled by President Jacob Zuma on the afternoon of 9th January 2010, following the 98th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC).
Bronze statue of Sol Plaatje (photographed in the William Humphreys Art Gallery in 2005 before it was placed in its current position in 2010). (Photo by Richard Jones)
Bronze statue of Sol Plaatje (photographed in the William Humphreys Art Gallery in 2005 before it was placed in its current position in 2010). (Photo by Richard Jones)
Bronze statue of Sol Plaatje in the Ernest Oppenheimer Gardens, unveiled by President Jacob Zuma on 9th January 2010. (Photo by Richard Jones)
