Mayor marks the start of Tutu Memorial Park project

17 September 2026

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis today marked the start of work on the newly-renamed Tutu Memorial Park (formerly Lupin Park), in honour of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mama Leah Tutu. The Mayor was joined by guest of honour Mama Leah Tutu and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of the Archbishop Tutu Intellectual Property Trust, which is collaborating on the park with the City and local ratepayer associations for Royal Ascot and Milnerton Central.

The project will also provide parking, lighting, pathways, accessibility, landscaping, irrigation, and public amenities. Murals, sculptures, and mosaics will reflect the life and legacy of Archbishop Tutu.

‘Today we turn the first sod as construction begins at Tutu Memorial Park – a place that will honour two of Cape Town’s most treasured citizens: the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mama Leah Tutu.

‘This park is on the doorstep of the Tutu family home, and Mama Leah has told us of quiet moments spent here with the Arch, who loved to walk around chatting with the public and also picking up litter.

'As we approach the fifth anniversary of the Arch’s passing, we are so happy to present this project as one important way that Cape Town will always remember and honour him, and how we continue to honour someone who is like a mother to our city, Mama Leah.

‘There is something profoundly fitting about a park where, for years to come, thousands of children will play and connect with the life of Archbishop Tutu. His joyfulness, his love and care for children, his work to make their futures better - all of those themes come together in this beautiful park.

‘This will also be a place for neighbours to meet, artists to perform, and people simply to pause and reflect. May it be a reminder that we all have a role to play in building the kind of city and society the Tutus spent their lives working towards, one that is more compassionate, more tolerant, and more willing to listen to one another,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, said project work commences today, 17 September, with an expected construction period of six months.

‘The City had previously held public consultations on a design for the park, with the upgrade reflecting extensive ground-up input from the local community.

‘We thank the Desmond Tutu IP Trust, the Royal Ascot Master Property Owners Association, and Milnerton Central Ratepayers Association for their commitment and partnership in getting this project to this point. The project will ensure that the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu continues to inspire the community and city for generations to come,’ said Councillor Higham.

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