The competition has created an opportunity for hopefuls from South Africa and the rest of the world to showcase their talent by designing a unique freedom statue.
More than 100 entrants ranging from architects, designers, artists and engineers from around the world have registered, says Mandela Bay Development Agency head Pierre Voges.
Metro Mayor Nceba Faku said the challenge given to the entrants was to design a statue that "reflects" nkululeko (the spirit of freedom) and that would capture the life, work and stature of Nelson Mandela.
The guidelines given are that the design should be 100 metres high and cost around R50-million to construct.
Three entries will be shortlisted and a panel of judges will select the best from the first submissions.
"Three short-listed entrants will each receive R250 000 to help pay for technical services and to fund the additional work that will need to be done," said Voges.
The winner will be announced in July.
The statue will be the centrepiece of a re-development project and will be situated where the Port Elizabeth harbour breakwater meets the beach at its most seaward point.
Eastern Province Herald
Publisher: Eastern Province Herald
Source: Eastern Province Herald
