Alderman Owen Kinahan (1955–2026) has died in Cape Town. He passed away on 4 January 2026, a week before his 71st birthday, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The long-serving councillor was a well-known urban conservationist. He represented the City of Cape Town on the UCT Council for 14 years.
His term on council ended in 2016. He chaired the Building Development Committee and helped restore the Josephine Mill in Newlands (UCT News).
Colleagues paid tribute to his commitment. ‘The University of Cape Town (UCT) community and peers are deeply saddened by the passing of Alderman Owen Kinahan,’ one notice said.
Born in Southern Rhodesia in 1955, Kinahan led the redevelopment of St Peter’s Cemetery in Mowbray.
The work involved 10 000 exhumations and the creation of an ossuary and Garden of Remembrance. In 2011 he received the Molteno Gold Medal for ‘Lifetime Achievements in Conversation’.
Friends remember his dry humour and practical way of solving problems. ‘He was hands on and never shied away from difficult work,’ a colleague said.
He combined technical knowledge with a strong sense of public duty. Kinahan is survived by his brothers, Paul Eia and John Kinahan. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
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Picture: UCT / www.news.uct.ac.za
