AfriForum Maties cleans statue; will protect their cultural heritage themselves
AfriForum Maties rolled up their sleeves to clean the statue of J. H. Marais themselves after it was vandalised yesterday. This action forms part of AfriForum Maties’ campaign to protect Afrikaans at the University of Stellenbosch (US).
“Protesters simply want to continue destroying the campus, but we will stand up for Afrikaans. We will take ownership for our cultural treasures and maintain and protect it ourselves,” said Bernard Pieters, spokesperson for the Maties branch.
AfriForum Maties also appointed a private company to protect the statue against vandals. Pieters also said that students cannot trust the University to protect the Afrikaans culture. “It is clear that the University does not act against illegal, violent protestors. We will not allow our cultural heritage to be destroyed by students who do not know or value the historic background of our heritage.”
“The US betrays our cultural treasures and does nothing to protect them. Why do they stand back and watch while statues are being torched? It’s as if US Management does not want to act against disruptive people,” said Morné Mostert, AfriForum Youth’s National Representative.