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Freedom monument

JOHANNESBURG: Plans for a giant bronze freedom monument modelled on President Nelson Mandela's hand will be the focus of talks between the South African head of state, advisers and backers on Wednesday, officials said.

Dubbed the "Hand of God" by one local radio station, the plans have drawn fire from critics who say the reported 50 million rand ($12.4 million) cost of the privately-funded project to "celebrate South Africa" could be better spent.

Responding to the criticism, Mandela's spokesman Parks Mankahlana said the private sector could spend its money how it wished and the final shape of the memorial would be an "artistic decision".

The president's hand might not feature in the final version, he said.

If it goes ahead in its planned form, the 23-metre (75 feet) high freedom monument, would be topped by an eight metre (26 feet) hand modelled on Mandela's, breaking through prison bars.-Reuter