Designed for the wind, born of apartheid-era zoning: Disa Park Towers' complicated legacy

CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson chats to property broker Ash Müller.

Listen below:

Cape Town’s iconic yet divisive Disa Park Towers (also known as the 'tampon towers') have once again stirred strong opinions as part of a Heritage Month spotlight on the city's landmark buildings by the Lunch with Pippa Hudson show.

In her opinion piece in the Mail & Guardian, Müller explains that the towers were built in the 1970s during apartheid-era zoning changes to fast-track white housing development.

The three 18-storey cylindrical towers were designed to withstand the fierce winds of Vredehoek. 

"That area tends to get a lot of wind..."

- Ash Müller, property broker

Remarkably, the third tower was completed in just 63 days.

"They each have their own name: Blinkwater, Platteklip and Silverstroom."

- Ash Müller, property broker 

While many regard the towers as architectural blunders marring the slopes of Table Mountain, others fondly recall life in them.

Residents describe stunning views, spacious layouts, and even squash courts and tennis facilities. 

Originally envisioned as part of a 17-tower development, only three were built – a fact some are grateful for. 

"I can only imagine 17 on the base of Table Mountain would have been insane." 

- Ash Müller, property broker 

Disa Park Towers remain a vivid reminder of the city’s layered urban history and its ongoing struggle to balance aesthetics, housing demand, and heritage.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.