By Nangamso Mabindla
29 August 2005

CONSTRUCTION of phase one of the R45-million Heroes Park is already under way, bringing the park, on the Esplanade on the East London beachfront, a step closer to reality.

The project was officially launched in January when Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela performed a sod turning.

The aim of the park, set up through a Section 21 company, is to preserve and celebrate the history of the Eastern Cape. This, in turn, will inspire future generations and contribute to the country's nation building.

Front loaders are already digging the park's foundations. It is expected to become a major tourist attraction in Buffalo City.

The man entrusted with getting the project off the ground, chief executive Dennis Matsanu, says it is important for the province to have such a place.

"It can be argued that this province hosts the richest history from the liberation struggle, but has the least [number of] symbols to show the public of its heritage."

Matsanu says this is a consequence of the lack of co-ordination of efforts to consolidate the province's history and the role it played in the country's liberation into a few, recognisable structures that will serve as tourist attractions. More importantly, they will serve as remembrances for future generations.

"We do not want young people to think we are bluffing when we tell them of some of the heroes that hailed from this province. We want to use the park as proof of our claims."

Some of the heroes whose footprints will be in the park are international icon Nelson Mandela, former Eastern Cape premier Raymond Mhlaba and Marjorie Courtney-Latimer, who discovered the first coelacanth. There will also be plaques of remembrance.

Turning to the reason the park is located in East London, Matsanu says the city is a central venue in the province. It is also a fact that tourists wish to view history while benefiting from the country's natural beauty, like beaches and rolling mountains, he says. With its beaches, East London offers that.

"The park is overlooking the beach and is also situated next to another important monument, the German Monument. This also gives testimony to the diversity of the province."

The completed park will have a water fountain that will symbolise life, a garden of remembrance dedicated to unknown heroes, a wall of remembrance dedicated to known dead heroes, a footprint promenade dedicated to living heroes, an amphitheatre for celebrations and reflections on the past and a symbol of reconciliation, and a tourist hub.

Phase 1 of the project includes landscaping, building the fountain, paving and building the amphitheatre.