https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7JN6KCIwp8&feature=youtu.be
The Port Elizabeth City Hall, which is located overlooking Vuyisile Mini Square (Market Square), was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was only added in 1883. The City Hall until the advent of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality served as a Council Chamber. Now the hall is utilised as a concert hall, a lecture hall and offices for city council employees and the Mayor.
The City Hall was proclaimed a national monument in 1973. It burnt down in 1977 and was rebuilt. Also in the Square, is a replica of the Diaz Cross, donated by the Portuguese Government to commemorate the arrival of Bartholomew Diaz in Algoa Bay in 1488.
Located on Vuyisile Mini Square the City Hall stands sentinel over what was formerly known as Market Square.
The name change from Market Square to Vuyisile Mini Square took place on 6 November 2010 in memory of Vuyisile Mini who was a union leader, a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, a singer and the first ANC member to be executed by the government in 1964.
On Vuyisile Mini Square 23 black workers were killed by police and a white vigilante in 1920. The victims were workers in the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union in the city. They were demanding the release of Samuel Masabalala, their leader, who had been arrested for fighting for 10 shillings per day for workers.
One other notable building around the square is the Public library and in front of the library is a marble statue of Queen Victoria which was unveiled in 1903.
For a long time Councillors used to park on the square but that has since ceased and the square is now open to the public.
The Square is one of the most noteworthy landmarks of Port Elizabeth. The ships landing beach was nearby in the early days and the handling of most of the goods in and out of the city was done through the Square, turning the square into a busy trading ground for local farmers. A bell was installed to alert the community that trading was taking place and the bell also served as a fire alarm.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- South African Conquers Rats on the World Stage - 30 October 2026
- Old JPG on a Memory Stick? Vectorization Studio in Observatory Redraws Faded and Low-Resolution Logos by Hand - 30 October 2026
- ReAutomated Adds Robot Palletising and Case Packing Cells to Existing South African Packing Lines Without Stripping Out the Conveyors - 30 October 2026
- From a 5 KM Sprint to an Ultra: Punisher Sets Out Its Magaliesberg Obstacle Race Formats for First Timers, Teams and Fitness Clubs - 30 October 2026
- Rotary or Dual Action? Germiston’s Polisher Lists Its Machines, Buffs and Compounds for Car Paint and Metal Finishing - 30 October 2026
