Bank backs down
2011-06-02
THE statue of a Voortrekker woman on the wall of Absa bank in Paarl, will remain there. Two weeks ago Paarlites were shocked when a demolition team started chipping away at the well-known sculpture against the wall of Absa, Main Street. Fortunately, locals immediately contacted heritage expert Len Raymond, who rushed to the scene and ordered the workers to cease their work. Absa claims that the statue had started to crumble beyond repair and they feared for the safety of the clients. According to heritage regulations, buildings which are older than 60 years are protected. Thus if any alterations need to be done, application has to be made for a special permit. This was not obtained by Absa, but according to a spokesperson, they did receive the go-ahead from the Drakenstein Municipality. After negotiations with the Heritage Council, Absa succumbed to pressure this week and cancelled their plans to destroy the statue. “Following our engagement with the Heritage Council, we received feedback recommending that we repair the motif and secure it in such a way that Absa’s customers and employees are not exposed to any danger,” said Gavin Opperman, CE of Absa Retail Bank. “The problem was brought to Absa’s attention in April. We will however not be removing the statue and therefore the process to repair it is now under way. “The building was set up before the Second World War and the statue is that of a Voortrekker woman which was sculptured by a certain Mr Gehrung. “Due to the fact that the building is older than 60 years, it is considered a heritage site/monumental building and special permission is required before any alterations are made.”
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