EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has announced plans to relocate the statue of renowned Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa to the Durban Botanic Gardens as the City seeks to strengthen cultural and economic ties with Portugal.
The discussions centred on preserving the shared cultural heritage between Durban and Portugal while exploring strategic partnerships that could boost tourism, trade and investment.
Mayor Xaba says the Fernando Pessoa monument, currently located in the Durban central business district, would be moved to the Durban Botanic Gardens to ensure its long-term preservation while making it more accessible to visitors.
“The proposed relocation of the Fernando Pessoa monument to the Durban Botanic Gardens, which is Africa’s oldest surviving botanical institution, will ensure its long-term preservation while positioning it within a safer, more accessible tourism and heritage destination,” Xaba said.
He continues by saying Pessoa holds a unique place in Durban’s history, having lived in the city between 1895 and 1905 during his formative years. During that time, he attended Durban High School, where he mastered the English language, a skill that later shaped his literary career and contributed to his international acclaim.
“Fernando Pessoa occupies a unique place in Durban’s history. He lived in the City during his formative years from 1895 to 1905 and attended Durban High School. It was here that he mastered the English language, a skill that profoundly influenced his early literary works and contributed to his international acclaim,” Xaba said.
He concluded by saying that the City views the initiative as an important opportunity to strengthen Durban’s international profile.
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