DURING heritage month, the spotlight falls on the Durban Main Post Office – a Victorian-style building originally erected in 1885 as Durban’s first town hall.
Designed by Phillip Dudgeon in 1882, it was the first meeting place of the South African National Convention and served as the town hall until the time of the Union in 1910. Today, it houses the General Post Office and was declared a national monument on 25 June 1976.
In keeping with the vast and rich diversity of the country, the SA Post Office recognises the Durban Main Post Office building as a heritage site.
“The SA Post Office understands the role this building plays in both Durban’s government and architectural history. It is a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture and is one of the most striking buildings in the city, particularly as it is set amidst the skyscrapers of the modern city centre,” said regional communications specialist Nobuhle Njapha.
The clock in the Durban Main Post Office Building tower was manufactured in England in 1883 and 129 years later, started gaining time at an ever increasing rate as a result of wear. The clock is currently not working as the job of setting the right time and winding the clock requires a strong, skilled person to come in seven days a week.
According to its CEO Mark Barnes, the Post Office is currently clawing back business and gradually improving its service following protracted strikes and subsequent financial collapse.
Heritage Month is best described as a celebration of South Africa’s history, music, art, dance, food and fashion. It is a display of many ethnic and cultural groups represented in South Africa.
