Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Pieter Lotriet and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung will oppose the proposed amusement park on Naval Hill, with the support of residents, and will call for an inclusive, community-driven plan that safeguards the Franklin Nature Reserve for future generations.
Naval Hill belongs to all South Africans and cannot be alienated or desecrated. The Franklin Nature Reserve is unique in the world as a nature park located within a city. The character of this area must not be violated. The idea of establishing an amusement park on top of Naval Hill is therefore absurd and cannot be seriously considered. We cannot ignore this proposal, nor can residents, unfortunately, trust the Metro.
The letter of intent from the Metro deserves no greater status than that of a mere notice or a call to action that “something” should take place at Naval Hill, something that preserves the continued existence of the Franklin Nature Reserve for future generations.
It is time for residents to reflect and become involved in a creative process of reimagining the Nature Reserve.
Our goal should be to make it not only attractive for local tourists to stay overnight in Bloemfontein, but also so appealing that it draws international visitors to witness one of the wonders of the world.
What should happen on Naval Hill is open to creative thinking. At this stage, the idea once proposed by a former Premier of the Free State, to construct a cable car from the Arthur Nathan Swimming Pool up to the top of the hill, was at least imaginative.
The history and artefacts in and around Naval Hill mean a great deal to many people, and this is widely appreciated. For another part of our community, however, it means absolutely nothing and carries no emotional connection. The challenge, therefore, is to introduce and share with everyone what must be preserved, thereby cultivating appreciation for it.
To achieve this, the Park cannot be exclusive. We must encourage everyone to create a new history there as well. The goal should be to foster a sense of shared patriotism, not the nationalism of any particular group.
What we do know is that the Metro is effectively bankrupt, so funding will need to be found elsewhere. This opens the door to a possible public-private partnership.
The only condition is that the asset, Naval Hill, must never be placed at risk of being alienated. The land belongs to the children of our children who are still to come.