Mexico’s 1.7 ton Angel of Independence has arrived in South Africa.





The statue, which took nearly two months to get here by ship, is considered to be “the ultimate symbol of Mexico” and will be unveiled in Johannesburg on Wednesday.





It will offer the Mexican football team and their fans national support during the 2010 World Cup.





According to Lynda Greeff Consulting, a 3-ton crane was needed to mount the 3.4m replica of the original statue.





The original stands on a 45m pillar in Mexico City, where Mexican heroes of independence are buried at the base.





The heroes include Miguel Hidalgo, Vicente Guerrero, Jose Maria Morelos and Ignacio Allende.





The base of the column has female sculptures symbolising Law, Peace, Justice and War.





The Angel sculpture holds a crown of laurel, representing Victory, and a broken chain, representing Freedom.





It is a traditional gathering place for Mexicans, especially after victories by the national soccer team.





The statue that will be unveiled this week is made of bronze, but has a 14-carat leaf gold cover. It will stand in Melrose Arch until June 26, after which it will make its way back to Mexico City.



