Cape Town's own Twin Towers, also known as the Two Old Ladies, Ugly Sisters and Salt & Pepper Pots or more accurately the Athlone Towers, are no more...
The Demolition of the Athlone Towers
22 August 2010
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| As they were... Groote Schuur Hospital in front gives perspective. |
Yesterday saw thousands of Capetonians lining bridges and freeways, gathering in elevated open public spaces, school grounds, and parks right along the lower slopes of Table Mountain to bid farewell to the two massive cooling towers that have been a feature of the city sky-line for 48 years.
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| Gathering crowds & gathering clouds |
The gathering of people from all sectors was reminiscent of the recent world cup fan walk although this was for many rather a bitter sweet moment.
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| Cars lining the freeway |
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| What are we waiting for again? |
And then, with no warning, and ahead of schedule - BOOM! In just 8 seconds they were reduced to a pile of rubble & a cloud of dust
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| Going... |
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| Gone! In just 8 seconds |
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| Just a memory... |
Of course what really made headlines was the decision for the mayor to 'push the button' almost 4 minutes early, taking many by surprise. Even local TV station eTV missed the big moment - as did many amateur and professional photographers, and members of the general public who had made some effore to position themselves at a good viewing point.
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| An altered skyline |
I was glad my son and I decided to brave the grey, wet day and meet friends on a bridge near Woodstock to be a part of this once-off event. Most people seem to feel that despite their ungainly and unattractive appearance, the towers are a part of the city's recent history and heritage and were sad to see them go. Some, however, were more of the 'good riddance' mind set.
But I can't agree - I will miss these two old ladies.
