The original statue is made of pure gold and stands on a 45-metre pillar in Mexico City, where Mexican heroes of independence, Miguel Hidalgo; Vicente Guerrero; Jose Maria Morelos; and Ignacio Allende are buried at the base. It is a traditional gathering place for Mexicans, especially after victories by the national soccer team.

A three-ton crane was needed to mount this 3.4-metre bronze replica of the original statue at the Melrose Arch Square where it will offer the Mexican football team and their fans national support during their visit in 2010 – two days before the opening match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico at Soccer City.

“No effort is too much for Melrose Arch to make this 2010 an events spectacular for everyone who visits us – from tourists to regulars to our tenants and partners. We hope that international symbols like The Angel will entertain visitors and serve to create even more excitement about the biggest event South Africa has ever seen,” says Andrew Douglas, spokesperson for Melrose Arch.

The Angel sculpture holds a crown of laurel, representing victory, and a broken chain, representing freedom; while the base of the column has female sculptures symbolising law; peace; justice; and war.

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 26 June, after which it will make its way back to Mexico City.

In September, Mexicans will commemorate 100 years since the original statue was constructed.