African project
Matola Raid Monument – Mozambique
to advance knowledge of the contributions by Mozambicans and South Africans
to the struggle. Integral to its design are artistic elements that seek to capture the
circumstances of the raid itself, memorialise the dead, and reflect the thoughts and
experiences of South African and Mozambican intellectuals and exiles.
The unique opportunity presented by the brief allowed the design to integrate the
Monument and Interpretive Centre with natural pedestrian and vehicular movements of
the community. The project has been a catalyst for the development of small businesses
and has become an informal meeting place for the local community. The Interpretive
Centre provides for visitors and formal tours by school children.
Monument
Three Red Obelisks symbolic of the three houses raided are orientated in the direction
of the houses and placed on radiating lines towards the location of the houses. The
thirteen concrete pillars represent the Frontline States and the unwavering support
they gave to the Liberation movements; one of these pillars is similarly representative
of international solidarity. A stainless steel Wreath Wall has a reverse cut of the outline
of the maps of South Africa and Mozambique. This will allow a shadow to be cast over
the concrete cenotaph below in perfect outline at 12pm on 31 January each year. The
pathway over the Monument is used daily by the community and respectfully deviates
around the Obelisks.
The edge of the pathway is defined by the “frontline wall” honouring the states which
opposed the South African Government during the struggle.
28 africandesignmagazine.com