Samora Machel Monument

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

The Samora Machel Monument in in Mbuzini, near Komatipoort in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, marks the spot where the plane carrying the then-President of Mozambique crashed in 1986. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 2006.[1]

The monument was inaugurated by Joaquim Chissano and Nelson Mandela on 19 January 1999. It was constructed at a cost of $240 000 and incorporates some of the wreckage of the plane. It's central feature is 35 tubes of steel that create a wailing sound in the wind.[2]

A planned R11.2-million upgrade was to add access roads, an amphitheater, a helipad and buildings.[3] In 2006 a nearby library with a collection of books in English and Portuguese was opened. A statue of Machel, donated by Norwegian anti-apartheid artists, was also erected at the site.[4]

[edit] References

Coordinates: 25°54′58″S 31°57′19″E / 25.91611°S 31.95528°E / -25.91611; 31.95528