Publications
Partners
The Green Point Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be built on the South African coast and Friday 12 April marked 200 years since it was first lit.
The Moaning Minnie, as it is affectionately known due to its low-pitched booming, is now the oldest operational lighthouse in the country.
The 16-square metre masonry tower uses a revolving electric light and produces one flash every 10 seconds ranging 25 nautical miles. It was designed by Herman Shutte and took three years to build.
In 1865, the tower was increased to its present height and a third-order dioptic flashing light of 8 500 candelas (candle power) was installed in a new lantern house, replacing the two fixed white lights. The lantern house is still operational today.
In 1922, the current third order dioptic was installed and the light was electrified in March 1929.
It currently uses a 400-watt metal halide lamp and produces a white flash of about 850 000 candelas (candle power).
To celebrate the bicentenary, a small ceremony organised by Mouille Point Ratepayers’ Association, was held at the lighthouse on Friday.
Curious Capetonians, who always wondered what the red and white lighthouse on the promenade looked like inside, also had an opportunity to view the facility.
Views from the lighthouse include Green Point Urban Park, Signal Hill, and Robben Island among others.
Liz Knight, co-chair of the Mouille Point Ratepayers’ Association, said: “This is important for the heritage of the whole area. We have a few heritage sites in the area. It is important that they maintain it as public open spaces for everyone in Cape Town. It is important that people understand and respect the history of this whole area and how important open spaces are.”
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, described the lighthouse as an iconic landmark on the Atlantic Seaboard.
“In a time when we are rushing past things and filled with bad news, it is lovely to take the time to recognise, honour and remember a facility like this that has been around for 200 years. It is part of our landscape and our community.
“It’s looking after nautical safety but it is also a landmark for the communities who come past here every day.
“It is lovely to acknowledge the hard work that has gone into maintaining this facility to such a high standard.”
Transnet, as the custodian of ports, manages and maintains the facility.
Speaking at the ceremony, Captain Sabelo Mdlalose, Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) executive manager: Lighthouse and Navigational services, said 200 years later, the lighthouse still guides vessels coming into the port.
“It is used by vessels that come in and out of the port for safety reasons for them to confirm their position. Visual objects, especially during the day, are still an important aspect of navigational safety in terms of positioning.”
He explained that the way lighthouses are managed and maintained is in line with international standards. Adding that there are more than 40 functioning lighthouses in the country.
According to Mdlalose, the Moaning Minnie uses a duty lamp that switches on automatically when the sun sets and a standby lamp.
If the duty lamp fails, the standby lamp will automatically kick in.
The facility has a standby generator that kicks in within a few seconds during load shedding.
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said: “This grand old lady of 200 years is a heritage site for Cape Town, and we are proud of her. She still brings everyone safe to our shores. It gives hope to all our citizens.”
She added: “I am delighted that this building is so well maintained. It’s impeccable and I hope that we open it more for the public. The view from the top of this building is spectacular. This is one of the few lighthouses that is working in South Africa.”
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor, echoed Marais’ sentiments and said: “This gives us an opportunity to reflect on our cultural heritage, when we look at that it gives us a moment to reflect on our past, understand our place in society and celebrate our diversity. We need to keep on telling that story for generations to come.
“Thank you for keeping it in such good condition. Thank you for everyone’s vested interest.”
