About Gugulethu Seven Memorial
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.
Did you know? The seven young men who were murdered by the South African police included Mandla Simon Mxinwa, Zanisile Zenith Mjobo, Zola Alfred Swelani, Godfrey Jabulani Miya, Christopher Piet, Themba Mlifi and Zabonke John Konile.
Today the sculpture stands on a busy corner on NY1 in Gugulethu, just twenty minutes outside of Cape Town, 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.
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.
Need to Know
WhereGugulethu Memorial, Corner of NY1 and NY111, Gugulethu, Cape Flats, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Flats Accommodation, Cape Town
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Flats
Liziwe's Guest House
Experience township life, a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere at Liziwe's Guest House. The guest rooms are decorated with a tasteful touch of...
Camdene Guest House
Camdene Guest House offers accommodation in an Halaal friendly environment and is a home away from home. Ideally situated to explore the charms o...
Cheval Vapeur
Cheval Vapeur offers self catering Philippi accommodation on a horse farm in the heart of Cape Town's seasonal wetlands. All the units are self c...
Hotel Verde
Located 400m from Cape Town International Airport, Hotel Verde offers 145 rooms, conference facilities, restaurant, bar, indoor gym, outdoor jogg...
Things to do in the area
Feast & Party at Teez Lounge
For the most fun in Cape Town, grab a bunch of friends and head out to Teez Lounge in Gugulethu for a legendary experience!Teez Lounge is a butch...
Walking Tour of Gugulethu
Join Liziwe for a forty minute walk through the shanties of Gugulethu to experience the everday life of Gugulethu. You will get to interact with ...
Visit the Amy Biehl Memorial
The Amy Biehl foundation was created in remembrance of American exchange student Amy Biel who was a gifted student at the University of the Weste...
Amy Biehl Memorial Township Tours
The Amy Biehl Memorial Township Tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the cultural township of Gugulethu and to support the community t...
Maboneng Township Arts Experience
The Maboneng Township Arts Experience is a fascinating initiative that is aimed at showcasing local artists and crafters to the world. This has b...
Accommodation convenient to Gugulethu Seven Memorial
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Flats Accommodation