South African lawmakers appeal to citizens to stop defacing monuments

14th April 2015 TimesLive SA tells us that in South Africa, a voice of caution is calling for peace following the defacing of several colonial era monuments in the country.

Chairperson of the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom in a statement is quoted as saying “These acts of criminality are in no way adding value to the critical dialogue that needs to happen as the country continues in efforts to create a prosperous life for all South Africans‚”

The statement continues with “Despite our different views on South Africa’s history‚ what remains important is our ability as a country to engage each other as taught by the late former president Nelson Mandela‚”

The paper reports that the committee is concerned that defacing statues could ignite further polarisation among South Africans‚ adding that “while the country’s dark history cannot be celebrated‚ the nation can continue to reflect on the past so that the country is aware of where it comes from”.