The cross that has lit up the mountainside in Gordon’s Bay for decades and been visible from afar, is shining brighter than ever following necessary repairs.
The lights of the treasured landmark had been dim lately, due mainly to increasing incidents of vandalism and theft. However, it was restored to its former shining glory thanks to various organisations that joined forces to raise funds for this. Inspections revealed the deteriorating state of the glowing landmark, which overlooks False Bay.
According to Heyns de Waal, chief operating officer of Gordon’s Bay Security who championed the initiative, the private security company has rallied financial support from the Dutch Reformed church in Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay Business Association, Gordon’s Bay Residents’ Association, Gordon’s Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF), and Gordon’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch.
De Waal said altogether R55 000 was raised for the restoration which saw the cross lowered by engineers for all the lights to be replaced by electricians over this past weekend. The cross, which was initially scheduled to be reinstated on Monday, was lifted and secured back to its former position by Sunday (30 June).
“The cross is not just a pole that lights up. For many of us it is a symbol of hope. Many times we, as first responders, have to deal with the nasty things of life, in most cases even death, and we always have to drive back from a scene to our stand. It strikes you especially at night when you return from a difficult situation and see the white cross; it often makes you feel you are not alone, there is hope and people who care,” shared De Waal.
Humble beginnings
An excerpt from a document preserved in the church’s archives reveals the origins of the cross known as “Die Helderksruis”. Inspired by a wooden cross from a service team, it was realised on the mountain above Gordon’s Bay. The cross was illuminated for the first time on the evening of 21 December 1997, during a special drive-in service, marking the culmination of a collaborative effort believed to be guided by the Heavenly Father. The document describes the process as “a miraculous coordination where everything aligned perfectly, and the community’s hearts and hands came together to bring the cross to life”.
The document also details the contributions of various stakeholders in the project: MTN donated the tower; Grinaker Construction provided the concrete and plinth; Jody van Zyl sponsored the tower’s erection; Dormas Engineering handled the construction and installation of the cross; the then Helderberg Municipality facilitated the electrical set-up; and Andrew, Donald, and Ian were responsible for the installation and wiring of the lights.
Additionally, the church and other donors made generous contributions. Special thanks were extended to elder and former mayor Gert van der Merwe, along with other key participants, for their active and pivotal roles in the realisation of the cross, which serves as a beacon, intended to remind all who see it of the immense love of Christ.
More energy-efficient
The cross was previously targeted by vandals in 2015 and restored thanks to an initiative led by the church. During the restoration, all fluorescent lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Representative Sanette Strydom noted that this time the church could not fund the restoration of the beacon, which found its origin with the congregation and serves as a symbol of what the seaside community represents on its own.
As with its establishment, Strydom said, the community pulled together, opening up their hearts and pockets to the cause.
Basil Cranko of the Gordon’s Bay Business Association expressed feeling proud of the community that united “to do the right thing, the right way for a beacon of light not only guiding its members but attracting others to Gordon’s Bay”.
Shining brightly
Electrical contractor Harry Vos, who formed part of the team that designed and built the cross, said the landmark has been rewired and its lights replaced to ensure that it keeps shining for years to come.
For those who may have wondered how many lights the cross boasts, Vos said, the beacon has 740 LED blocks with four LED lights inside, tallying up to 2 960 lights in total.
Edwina Hadfield, chairperson of Gordon’s Bay Residents’ Association, said the group is proud to be part of the restoration of the Helderkruis.
“The cross is a beacon of hope and prayer for many of our residents. Over the years it has been vandalised and a fence had to be erected around it to save the cross and its lights, but the vandalisation just continued. All thanks to De Waal for this initiative to restore the cross, as well Vos, who was the initial installer of the lights. Gordon’s Bay Residents’ Association, the Gordon’s Bay CPF, Dutch Reformed church Gordon’s Bay, Gordon’s Bay Business Association, and Gordon’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch made it possible, ensuring that the cross will no longer be vandalised.”
