WATCH: The bells of Cape Town's famous City Hall clock chiming once more, after restoration of historic clockworks
Originally installed in City Hall in 1905, the clock was manufactured by the same clockmaker who built Big Ben in London.
The Cape Town City Hall clock has been restored. Screengrab from Facebook/City of Cape Town
Cape Town Mayor Geording Hill-Lewis with the City Hall clock mechanism, City of Cape Town
Cape Town's famous City Hall clock is ticking in perfect time again with its beautiful bells chiming, after years of silence.
The clock was removed in March for repairs to restore its bells and chime mechanisms.
Originally installed in City Hall in 1905, it was manufactured by UK clockmaker JB Joyce & Co, who also built Big Ben in London.
The original parts make it a rare example of historical horology, says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, requiring special expertise to restore it.
"Great cities are built on small details and strong principles. A working City Hall clock and chiming bells are a symbol of our pride and heritage as Capetonians."
Geordin Hill-Lewis Mayor of Cape Town
The process of fixing the clock included restoring worn drum bushings and ensuring that the sound mechanism meets heritage preservation standards.
The City notes that, as one of the municipality’s strategic assets and facilities, City Hall has undergone several upgrades including to its CCTV system, wayfinding signage and lighting.
"These ongoing improvements have seen City Hall booked to near capacity, hosting events such as the State of the Nation Address (SONA), concerts of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and various choir competitions."
James Vos, MayCo Member for Economic Growth - CoCT
The City will continue to do work that maintains City Hall's facilities and honours its legacy, Vos pledged.