Gugulethu Seven Memorial, Cape Town

Cape Town & Western Cape Tourist Attractions

Gugulethu Seven Memorial, Cape Town

Built to commemorate the death of seven young black activists from the Cape township Gugulethu (meaning our pride) on 3 March 1986, the Gugulethu Seven Memorial consists of seven solid and powerful granite statue-like constructions, sculpted by the South African artists Donovan Ward and Paul Hendricks.

Today the sculpture stands on a busy corner on NY1 in Gugulethu, relatively close to where the seven youths were murdered by the South African police. The memorial lies directly on the pavement for maximum exposure, while an intimate amphitheatre lies behind the sculpture. The sculpture takes the form of a discontinuous wall-like structure, in which seven figures are cut out from the concrete and granite slabs, suggestive of play, dance and resistance.

Gugulethu Seven Memorial, Cape Town

Whilst the bronze plaques beneath each figure do not all hold portraits and dates of birth, the cut-outs project onto the road surface in a play of sunlight and shadow that brings them back to life. The work not only commemorates the death of seven youths, but is also representative of nation building - it combines elements of ruin or incompleteness with parts that seem to have just been constructed - and was unveiled in March 2000 on Human Rights Day. The Gugulthu Seven Memorial is a highlight on many township tours through Gugulethu.

Gugulethu Seven Memorial

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation nearby see:
• Gugulethu Accommodation

Attractions / Activities nearby

Liziwe's Guest House

Liziwe Ngcokoto is the owner of Liziwe's Guest House. Before the establishment of the house she bought the plot, lived in a shack on the plot for five years in Gugulethu and then decided to build a house. Together with her husband, they worked towards building their home, one brick at a time ... more information

Mzoli's Place in Gugulethu

Mzolis is Guguletus most popular hang-out spot. Every Saturday and Sunday this is where people spend their afternoons, eating meat, chatting and just lounging around. At Mzoli's, seating is outside where you can get a view of everyone passing by. This way you get to interact with people while enjoying your meal. more information

Visiting the Gugulethu Seven Memorial?
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destinations / attractions in the western cape

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