City restores memorials and replaces 23 damaged and missing plaques

17 August 2026

The City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Development Branch, responsible for 140 memorials across the city, has continued its work to preserve Cape Town's public memorials, with restoration projects undertaken at heritage sites across the metro, with 23 missing or damaged plaques also replaced over the past 12 months.

Some of the biggest restoration projects include:

Langa Memorial on Washington Circle - R608 039

• The memorial honours the victims of the 1960 anti-pass law protests in Langa. It consists of a raised circular podium supporting three legs that form a threshold, above which rises a tall chimney-like tower carrying seven flagpoles. A drum-shaped element incorporates imagery associated with the events of March 1960. The memorial is located close to the site where the historical events occurred and commemorates the courage and sacrifices of those who resisted apartheid pass laws.
• The restoration project involved repairing brick seating walls, brick paving, recasting damaged concrete, manufacturing and installing engraved floor tiles, repairing the flag mechanisms and installing new flags, and general repair work to the metal tower

Colonial Mutual Clock Tower Memorial in Adderley Street - R492 430

• This is a prominent clock tower memorial incorporating four historic clock faces salvaged from the former Colonial Mutual Building. The structure serves as both a memorial and a landmark within the Cape Town CBD, commemorating the company's long history in South Africa. The updated colour palette was selected through an online poll that residents participated in.
• Phase 1 is complete and included repairs and maintenance to the memorial structure, rust repairs, reconstruction of the burned wooden door, reconstruction of the clock face internal supports, re-electrifying the structure as well as repainting in a new colour scheme
• Phase 2 started this new financial year, and includes the installation of the clock mechanisms and clock hands, as well as the replacement of the memorial plaques
  
  

The Knot Sculpture outside the Cape Town Civic Centre - R305 674

• The Knot, installed in 1981, is Eduardo Villa's largest public sculpture and one of Cape Town's most recognisable public artworks. Standing approximately 6,75 metres high, the abstract steel sculpture consists of interwoven tubular forms and projecting horizontal arms. The work symbolises connection, unity and balance, while reflecting Villa's distinctive modernist sculptural language.
• Work was completed and the project stabilises the Knot Sculpture by preventing further deterioration, undertaking necessary remedial work such as rust treatment and repainting, conserving damaged areas while preserving its original character, and implementing measures to ensure its long-term protection and continued public appreciation.

Pampoenkraal Oxen in Durbanville - R420 037

• The memorial is a group of 14 brightly coloured oxen sculptures installed within Pampoenkraal Heritage Square to celebrate Durbanville's agricultural heritage and the role of ox-wagons in the area's early development. The artworks have become a distinctive landmark and popular public feature within the heritage precinct.
• Over the years, the oxen installations have been exposed to weather elements, general wear, and vandalism. This has resulted in visible damage such as cracks, chips, fading paint, and missing sculptural parts.The missing components have been recreated and attached to the sculptures. All chips, cracks, damage and weathering have been repaired and all the sculptures resprayed to their original colour. Alderman Theresa Uys initiated the project with ward funding.

Electrical repairs were also undertaken at the Memorial to Security Forces at the Parow Civic Centre and the Observatory War Memorial.

In addition, 23 missing and damaged plaques were replaced at memorials across the city.

‘Our memorials tell the story of Cape Town and the people and communities who have shaped our city. When they are damaged by weather, age or vandalism, we risk losing important pieces of our shared history. That is why preserving and restoring these spaces matters.

‘These are community assets and an important part of our collective heritage. I encourage residents to help us protect them by reporting any vandalism or damage. Together, we can keep these reflective spaces safe, dignified and accessible, so that future generations can continue to learn from and pay respect to those who came before us,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.