Cape Town’s City Hall clock tower chimed across the central business district on 31 July 2025, ending a fifteen-year silence. Built in 1905 by the same company responsible for London’s Big Ben, the historic timepiece first fell quiet around 2010 after its bell strike and chime functions failed.
The clock has now resumed striking the hours following six months of careful repairs. Restorers dismantled the mechanism, replaced worn gears, and tuned the bell fittings to precise specifications, restoring both the clock’s accuracy and its signature melody.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis led the relaunch ceremony alongside Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos and City Hall staff.
Hill-Lewis said he felt goosebumps when the clock struck twelve for the first time in over a decade ( EWN).
He added that the revived chimes symbolise Cape Town’s pride in its architectural heritage.
‘We take pride in what we have and we take pride in our city,’ he said.
The restoration forms part of a broader City of Cape Town initiative to conserve historic landmarks.
Officials have introduced a quarterly maintenance schedule to ensure the clock mechanism remains in good order.
Residents and visitors can now hear the clock’s chimes echo from the Grand Parade to St George’s Cathedral.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Winter bliss on a budget: 18 beauty and spa deals in Cape Town
Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
