CAPE TOWN – The iconic City Hall clock is once again ticking in perfect time and chiming beautifully after undergoing full restoration.
A Century-Old Landmark
Installed in 1905, the turret clock was manufactured by renowned UK clockmaker JB Joyce & Co., the same company behind Big Ben. Perched above Cape Town’s City Hall with Table Mountain in the background, the clock has become a striking symbol on the Grand Parade.
Skilled Restoration Work
In March 2025, technicians removed the clock to repair its worn parts. They restored the drum bushings and overhauled the sound mechanism to meet heritage preservation standards.
The turret clock has three distinct systems , for timekeeping, chimes, and strikes. Its Westminster chimes, heard every 15 minutes, echo those of Big Ben.
Because of its original parts and historic mechanism, the restoration required rare horological expertise.
A Symbol of City Pride
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the work, saying Cape Town takes pride in the small details that keep its inner city flourishing.
“From clock maintenance to lighting upgrades, we’re protecting City Hall as one of Cape Town’s precious landmarks,” he said. “Other cities may face decline, but we are strengthening our public spaces.”
City Hall has also received new CCTV systems, upgraded signage, and lighting improvements as part of ongoing upgrades.
A Hub of Activity
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said City Hall is now booked nearly to full capacity. It regularly hosts major events, including:
- The State of the Nation Address
- Cape Philharmonic and Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra concerts
It also houses the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town Legacy Exhibition, Cape Town Civic Collection’s Attic Exhibition, and Cape Town Tourism’s Visitor Experience Centre.
“City Hall is central to Cape Town’s heritage,” said Vos. “We will continue to maintain it and honour its legacy. We encourage communities to use this space for public benefit.”
