For the first time in decade and a half, the chimes of Cape Town City Hall’s clock tower rang out across the CBD on Thursday, marking the successful revival of a cherished city landmark.
Built in 1905 by the same company that constructed London’s Big Ben, the iconic timepiece had fallen silent around 2010, following a failure in its bell strike and chime functions.
After a painstaking six-month restoration, the clock now strikes the hour with renewed precision.
A Symbol of Heritage Restored
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis led a celebratory relaunch ceremony, joined by James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, and staff from City Hall.
“When it struck 12, I felt goosebumps,” Hill-Lewis said, reflecting on the moment the tower’s bell rang once again.
“We take pride in what we have, and we take pride in our city.”
Restorers dismantled the mechanism, replaced worn gears, and tuned the bell fittings to their original specifications, restoring the clock’s accuracy and rich soundscape.
The restoration is part of a wider City of Cape Town heritage initiative aimed at conserving historic landmarks across the metro.
Echoes Through the Heart of the City
Now fully functional, the clock’s chimes can be heard from Grand Parade to St George’s Cathedral, serving as a sonic reminder of the city’s vibrant past.
Officials have also introduced a quarterly maintenance plan to ensure the mechanism remains in working order well into the future.
The revival of the City Hall clock not only restores a beloved acoustic feature to Cape Town’s skyline – it also reaffirms the city’s commitment to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage that defines its identity.
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