The spatial nexus of monuments, memorability and identity formation in Chatsworth and Durban Central, South Africa

Abstract The monumentalization of public space has received significant scholarly attention both globally and locally. In the South African context, this interest been further heightened by #Rhodes Must Fall campaign in 2015, which raised questions about relevance colonial statues post-transformation era. This sparked extensive debates regarding within country’s cultural landscape. Against backdrop, present empirical study aims to contribute these discussions examining role monuments, particularly their spatial characteristics, shaping processes memory identity reconstruction urban spaces. employed mapping techniques, including participatory GIS (PGIS) semi-structured interviews, generate data areas Chatsworth Durban Central. Additionally, draws upon Henri Lefebvre’s (1974) conceptualizations monuments Proshansky’s (1983) place-identity theory explore constitutive relationship between spatiality embodied memories production identities. findings affirm as sites for negotiating identities, acknowledging diversity multiplicity identities that emerged. Furthermore, highlights significance context dimensions such aesthetic appeal, geographic prominence, positionality, discernibility, influencing symbolic value memory-making formation processes. conclusion, paper emphasizes importance reconfiguring ensure efficacy memorialization reconstruction.