The future of a magnificent 150-year-old Australian wild fig tree near the South End Museum hangs in the balance, as alleged damage from fires and neglect raises serious concerns among local residents and heritage advocates.
Standing tall with its roots embedded in South End’s soil, the tree has long been a symbol of the area’s rich history. But recent events have cast a shadow over its continued survival.
Michael Barry, artist, curator and trustee of the South End Museum, expressed deep concern over the state of the tree.
“The tree is a symbol of South End’s history. It has stood here for 150 years,” Barry told the PE Express. “Its presence is not just physical — it holds emotional and historical significance for this community.”
The discovery of two large broken branches last week has alarmed residents and museum staff alike. Barry reported that people experiencing homelessness have been lighting fires inside the hollow trunk of the tree and using its interior for shelter. While he acknowledges the plight of the unhoused, Barry says the damage to this historic tree cannot be ignored.
“We understand that people are homeless, but the tree is also important to us. We just want to keep this tree alive,” he said.
“They are making fires inside the tree. The poor tree — it’s part of our local history, and we want to protect it.”
Barry has approached the local municipality with a request to erect a protective fence around the tree. However, he was told that funds are not available.
“The municipality said they don’t have money to build a fence because they’ve already used up their budget. We are hoping that something can still be done to save the tree.”
The fig tree is not the only heritage site facing neglect. Barry shared that a memorial and public art installation in the museum’s car park is also being misused.
“We have a memorial and public art piece in our car park. It’s meant to honour history, but people are sleeping in it and defecating there. We’ve had to install spikes to protect it.”
The museum itself, a heritage building run by volunteers, is also facing increasing challenges in preserving its role as a community and cultural hub.
“We are a community museum, a volunteer-run space, and we’re seeing encroachment everywhere. This tree and our building are important parts of South End’s legacy.”
Barry has written to local government officials urging intervention. He’s also pointed out that there are similar heritage trees around the city, including one located at the corner of Cape Road and William Moffett, that should also be protected.
As concerns mount, Barry and the community continue to hope that swift action will be taken to preserve this iconic tree, a living monument to South End’s past, for future generations.
When the PE Express reached out to Ward 2 Councillor Sean Tappan, he conducted a site visit on Monday, 8 September.
“I would have to check if this is, in fact, on Transnet property or municipal property,” he commented.
“If it’s a homelessness issue, then it must go through Metro Police. A complaint must be lodged with them. As Councillor, I can act as an intermediary but have no control over Metro Police and law enforcement.”
Tappan added that he is looking into the matter.
