Debate the issues of colonial and apartheid monuments being removed from our public spaces by considering the following: - The necessity of monuments in our society - Reasons why people remove or deface monuments - Functions of a monument - Meaning of the monuments changing over time - Erection of monuments in public places - Creation of new monuments as a healing process - Specific examples - NSC Visual Arts - Question 8 - 2017 - Paper 1

People may remove or deface monuments as they symbolize oppression or colonialism. The act reflects the community's desire to reject reminders of a painful past, advocating instead for symbols that better represent their values and collective identity.

Monuments primarily serve to honor and memorialize individuals or significant events, providing a space for reflection. They can also be educational tools that foster discussions about history, ethics, and cultural narratives.

The meaning of monuments can evolve as societal values shift. For example, early apartheid-era monuments might be seen as colonial artifacts today, emphasizing the need for reinterpretation and new narratives that align with contemporary values.

The placement of monuments in public spaces is crucial for accessibility and visibility. Such locations encourage public engagement and discourse, while also serving as reminders of history integrated into the fabric of daily life.

Creating new monuments allows societies to acknowledge their past while moving towards a more inclusive future. These monuments can symbolize reconciliation and represent diverse narratives, serving as a platform for healing historical wounds.

Examples include the Freedom Park in Pretoria, which honors those who sacrificed for freedom, and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which educates visitors on the country's tumultuous past. These sites illustrate how new monuments can serve healing purposes.