I wrote and sent this letter on 11 November to the eThekwini Municipality Executive Director: Community Services – Dr Vusi Mazibuko, but have received no reply.
Good day Dr Mazibuko,
Today is Remembrance Day, when we honour and commemorate the sacrifice of all fallen soldiers in safeguarding our freedoms.
I went to the Cenotaph (WWI memorial) to lay flowers today, and was hassled by a security guard who said I needed a permit to lay flowers, and that “they” had “done it yesterday”.
Please can you assist me by answering the following questions:
1. If it was “done yesterday”, why? Remembrance Day is always 11 November.
2. I can understand why the memorial is guarded, given the rampant theft in the city of any materials that can be sold for scrap. However, why is the memorial not open to the public on the one day on which it is appropriate and expected for people to go and pay their respects?
3. Is it true that one must get a permit to access a public space?
4. Why is there barely any recognition given by the municipality for the soldiers who lost their lives in service?
Thanks in advance for your response.
Christa Martin
Durban