THE restored Multi-cultural Man statue on the Esplanade has been re-inaugurated by officials from Buffalo City and their international counterparts from Italy, who sponsored the statue.

After it was vandalised in 2009, the statue had to be repaired and new security measures were put in place to prevent more damage.

The statue is a post-modern bronze that depicts a globe uniting two meridians. The human figure represents universal man, devoid of face, hair or clothing and characteristics identifying race, ethnicity and culture. The remaining meridians are lifted upwards by doves and symbols of peace. They embody the cultural vitality of nations which, with dialogue and reciprocal action, help the construction of the world.

It is in Heroes' Park on the East London Esplanade and was re-inaugurated on Thursday, 24 June. Sculpted by Italian artist Francesco Perilli, it was donated to Buffalo City by the Italian city of Nereto, Perilli's home. It is one of four in the world – there are Multi-cultural Men in Toronto, in Canada; in Sarajevo, in Bosnia; and in Changchum in China.

The only multi-cultural statue in Africa, it was first unveiled in September 2007.

Speaking at the re-inauguration, the acting executive mayor, Sithembiso Tyilo, said: "The statue is part of our heritage and we are looking forward to seeing tourists admiring the good work of Perilli which depicts identity, humanity and dignity."

Encouraging the City in its efforts to keep the statue safe, the Italian consul, Emanuela Curnis, said: "We are pleased with the work that has been done on the statue since it was vandalised and the security measures that have been planned for the area."

The statue has been placed on a higher pillar, and there will be spikes and a fence around it. "All these security measures bring us ease that the statue will be safe and be in its original state for a long time."

Curnis emphasized the importance of respecting one another's cultures and beliefs. "We may have different cultures and languages, but we are still human beings and respect each other. This is why we have such good relations with each other."

The senior manager for heritage in the City's department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, Patrick Grootboom, said: "This day is part of the promotion of preserving heritage and culture and to ensure that the only multicultural statue in Africa is protected."

The safety and security of the area would also play an important role in preserving heritage.

Acceptance of interreligious dialogue and harmonious collaboration between people of diverse cultures to erase all hatred, past and present, is part of the statue's symbolism.