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With the World Cup in full force, our thoughts of famous Portuguese figures and iconic statues are undoubtedly dominated by the GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo…. but Durban has its own link to another legendary Portuguese individual.
Fernando Pessoa. One of the greatest writers of the 20th century who, in fact, attended none other than Durban High School (DHS). A celebrated Portuguese poet and author, Pessoa’s bronze bust has been located in Durban's CBD, but it’s about to move to a far more fitting home.
From the corner of Pine and Gardiner streets in Durban's city centre, this iconic bust will now move to Durban Botanic Gardens, where it will be easier for visitors to discover and appreciate the remarkable story behind the literary giant's unexpected connection to the city.
The announcement was made during a visit by the Portuguese Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Carlos Costa Neves, who met with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba to discuss strengthening cultural ties between Durban and Portugal.
A Durban story you probably didn't know
Although Pessoa is celebrated as Portugal's greatest modernist writer, part of his story was written right here in Durban. He arrived as a young boy with his mother and stepfather, who served as the Portuguese Consul in Durban.
Mayor Xaba explained: "Fernando Pessoa occupies a unique place in Durban's history. He lived in the city during his formative years from 1895 to 1905 and attended Durban High School. It was here that he mastered the English language, a skill that profoundly influenced his early literary works and contributed to his international acclaim.”
As part of the ambassador's visit, he also spent time at the school, celebrating its unique connection to one of Europe's most influential literary figures. The visit highlighted plans to strengthen the relationship between Portugal and the school while ensuring Pessoa's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The mayor said moving the statue to Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden would better protect the monument while placing it in one of Durban's most visited heritage attractions. The visit also opened discussions around possible sister-city partnerships between Durban and the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with cooperation planned in tourism, maritime trade, infrastructure and cultural exchange.
"As a city, we view these developments as a significant step towards enriching Durban's cultural landscape while unlocking new opportunities for international trade, investment and tourism," added Xaba.
Who was Fernando Pessoa?
- Born: 1888, Lisbon, Portugal
- Lived in Durban: 1895–1905
- School: Durban High School
- Why he's famous: Widely regarded as Portugal's greatest poet and one of the most influential modernist writers in the world.
- Interesting fact: Pessoa wrote under more than 70 different literary personalities, known as heteronyms, each with its own writing style, biography and personality.
- The statue: Installed in Durban in 1987 by the António de Almeida Foundation and currently located in the Durban CBD before its planned move to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
Fernando Pessoa helped change world literature, and part of that extraordinary journey began right here in Durban!
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