The 1997 SAMWU sculpture outside the Workers’ Library was commissioned by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) to commemorate the struggle of municipal workers.
The City Council built the Newtown Compound in 1913 to house migrant workers who worked first for the Sanitary Department, and then the nearby power stations. The museum shows the slave-like conditions the workers had to endure, depicted in the museum’s permanent exhibition, which includes the original dormitories, concrete bunks and punishment room.
Large scale concrete sculpture of a Municipal Worker mounted on a steel frame, with mosaic inscription at the base.
The figure is posed mid ‘dance’ similar to a celebratory pose, and is tossing a spade into the air. The spade is raised in the air in celebration and defiance.
The 1997 SAMWU sculpture outside the Workers’ Library was commissioned by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) to commemorate the struggle of municipal workers.
The City Council built the Newtown Compound in 1913 to house migrant workers who worked first for the Sanitary Department, and then the nearby power stations. The museum shows the slave-like conditions the workers had to endure, depicted in the museum’s permanent exhibition, which includes the original dormitories, concrete bunks and punishment room.
2024 © City Of Johannesburg — Arts, Culture & Heritage
