REFILWE MEKOA
The officially opened Hoffman Square monument will reinvent Bloemfontein’s image.
Mangaung Metropolitan Mayor Thabo Manyoni said Hoffman Square monument has historic significant as it was named after the first President of the Oranje Free State and was established during the early 1930’s. He was speaking at the monument’s opening event in Bloemfontein’s CBD on Saturday.
Manyoni explained that Hoffman Square was part of the municipality’s greening programme and they have reinvented it by planting trees and beautifying it. He said the intention is for the community to own their own public spaces.
“Hence we are having this open amphitheatre where our local upcoming performers, musicians and poets can come and perform here in a style of Trafalgar Square like in London. Even those who are politically frustrated they can come here to vent their anger either about government or any other political party,” he said.
Manyoni added that if Bloemfontein residents keep Hoffman Square monument clean, it will make it easy for the municipality to get investors.
“That is why we should take good care of this place and keep this place very clean. The city belongs to us and we should all maintain it green and clean. I hope this project will also make people start cleaning their houses or yards as I wonder why many don’t do it. All Bloemfontein residents should learn from this project and maintain the town very clean,” said Manyoni.
