29 September 2004

By Sipho None

THE creative brain behind the statue of Kgosi Mogale, 50-year-old Adam Madebe, a well-known Zimbabwean sculptor, said he hoped Mogale City residents would welcome his contribution as a step forward for African cultures.

"When I was recommended to create the statue I was surprised. It is encouraging to see cities acknowledging their cultures and it is a step in the right direction. This is the first commission of its kind in this region," Madebe said after the unveiling.

Madebe, who was commissioned to sculpt the 2.5m tall statue, says though he enjoyed the task, it was a tough commission because it seemed to be the only African statue in Mogale City.

"I found it difficult to start my work as I had never seen a picture of Mogale. However a picture of him was found and sent to me. I first created a miniature statue and sent it to the municipality for approval," he says.

Madebe said it took him three months to complete the bronze metal statue, and hopes that all Mogale residents, despite their different backgrounds, will accept it with open arms.

"Kgosi Mogale's statue can withstand all forms of weather," he said, as bronze material is durable and does not rust.

Kgosi Mogale is recognised as a true son of Africa, who fought tirelessly to restore ancestral land to Bapo people. In 2001, the then Krugersdorp Town Council, under the leadership of executive mayor Lentswe Mokgatle, renamed the city after Kgosi Mogale.

Madebe said his biggest compliment was when Misty Hills hotel celebrated its 10th anniversary last year: one of Kgosi Mogale's grandchildren informed him that the statue resembled his grandfather. "He gave me a pat on the back for a job well done."

The statue of Kgosi Mogale was erected in front of the Civic Centre and was unveiled by West Rand District executive mayor Sister Barnard Ncube at a ceremony held on Heritage Day.

After school in Bulawayo, Madebe did an art course at Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre where he went on to become an instructor.

In 1985, he created a 4m-high statue of a nude male which was erected in front of the Bulawayo municipal offices, but the government had it removed and re-erected it in a less public place. However, he went on to win a tender in 1996 from National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund Complex to create a piece on "Piazza Fountain".

He is now an artist-in-residence at Misty Hills Hotel in Muldersdrift, where his metal sculptures of hippos, elephants and African figures are on display. Besides mild and stainless steel, Madebe also works in bronze and clay.