As Bob Marley songs played in the background, the covers were drawn off a 2.2m statue of Haile Selassie in Judah Square in Knysna which has become the centrepiece of SA’s largest Rastafarian community.
Wednesday’s handover was the culmination of a combined initiative between Visit Knysna (destination marketing), the Knysna municipality (destination management and economic development) and the Knysna Art Society, aimed at creating interactive art and public spaces in key locations.
The community had earmarked July 23 2021, Selassie’s birthday, to unveil the sculpture, but due to Covid-19 they had to postpone the unveiling numerous times.
Judah Square resident Eugene Lewis worked under the mentorship of sculptor and artist Suzanne du Toit to create the piece.
Selassie, who ruled Ethiopia from 1930-1974, died in 1975.
Rastas accord key importance to Selassie — many regard him as the second coming of Jesus and Jah incarnate, while others see him as a human prophet.
Judah Square is the home of SA’s largest Rastafarian community and was established in 1993.
And while Selassie, who never wore dreadlocks, is depicted with them in the sculpture, Lewis said it was to provide a link to the 29 families living in the square.
“It is an honour to have made the sculpture and I am thankful to Knysna Tourism for the opportunity,” Lewis said.
“It’s an amazing feeling to complete this as it was once an idea and now it’s standing tall, unique and full of history.”
Du Toit said she would never forget working with Lewis.
“He was so willing to learn everything and I am proud of the finished product,” she said.
Community leader Noel “Ras Maxi” Melville said the day was a culmination of hard work by different people.
“A cake is not just flour, it’s all the different ingredients that are used together to make cakes.
“I am grateful to the tourism office, mayor and everyone who has been involved because I know our community could never afford to make something of this magnitude on our own,” he said.
“The only thing I have is goosebumps, because I am overwhelmed with joy.
“A lot of people know about us as a community, but this sculpture will now bring people here.”
Knysna mayor Levael Davis said he was proud of the community and believed the statue would help to draw tourists back to a community which had been hit hard by Covid-19 lockdowns.
Resident George “Jabu” Bhengu, who was present when the village was established, said it was important for Selassie to be immortalised through the statue.
“Our father, Selassie, stood for righteousness.
“With the new addition, I think we will aim to be like him, which can only make our community better,” he said.
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