"Tino's Monument To Democracy"

Although certain crime statistics show a downward trend, research shows that most people are more afraid of crime today than ever before. This is hardly surprising, because house robberies countrywide have remained high. And it’s estimated that only 57 per cent of people report house-breaking to the police, because of the low conviction rate.

This Tuesday, Special Assignment relates the strange story of a man who thought his constitutional rights to freedom and security would protect him from burglaries and robberies - and how he has suffered the consequences.

“Tino’s Monument to Democracy” centres around an original Victorian home in Bez Valley, east of Johannesburg. It was once the scene of a brutal attack. The victims, an elderly couple, never came back to live there - but they also never moved out completely. Nor did they put up any sort of security. They spent the remainder of their lives being cared for by their son Tino and would visit the house by day. Thieves would loot it by night.

His parents are now long dead and the house has been pillaged and plundered, but still Tino de Carvalho keeps vigil. Although what remains seems worthless, he fearlessly challenges anyone who dares enter to disturb his past. And he steadfastly refuses to sell.

“I get asked every day – what are your intentions? Do you want to sell? I say to them: not for sale! Not to rent! This is my monument to democracy.” 

His neighbours think he’s mad. “That property has become a junkyard…He has no regard for his neighbours… It’s an absolute disgrace that he’s let his house go like that… It’s a monument to who he is!”

Artist Ian Waldeck, who has immortalized the house in a series of works entitled “10 Years of Democracy” sees it differently. “Tino is the only one who has courage in that entire street… he has the courage to say let’s face reality and let’s not accede to a spiritual death, as well as a physical violation.”

“Tino’s Monument to Democracy” is produced by Jessica Pitchford with camerawork by Dudley Saunders. It offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary South Africans – and their fears and obsessions. 

phone: 27 11 714 6757
fax: 27 11 714 6254
e-mail: truth@sabc.co.za

To purchase copies of our program:

Business Enterprises at the SABC:
011 714 8066 or 011 714 6959
e-mail: enterpri@sabc.co.za