Bellville’s national music legends Fokofpolisiekar, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke, Loki Rothman and Hiram Koopman, and local designer Rich Boy Clothing, have all thrown their weight behind a crowdfunding campaign run by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) to refurbish the clock tower and gardens at the Bellville Civic Centre.

The campaign launched on 8 March and invites people to pledge their support and play a part in improving Bellville’s public spaces.The GTP’s campaign has a minimum target of R150 000 to repair the four clock faces and install new lighting to enhance the tower at night. Currently dilapidated and not working, the fountains will be refurbished and restored, becoming a striking centre piece with the new lighting installation. Functional art designed for people to meet, greet, relax and play will complete the design. The larger project vision is for the gardens around the clock tower and fountain to be fully redeveloped. 

The Thundafund campaign offers rewards to donors, including unique bundles of signed merchandise from Bellville musicians Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke and Loki Rothman. Bellville-born saxophonist Hiram Koopman is donating a pair of custom Converse trainers. There is a chance for contributions of all sizes, from R100 up to R3000, for a brick inlaid with the name or company logo of the donor to be featured in the design of the refurbished clock tower and fountain.

Companies who want to make a CSI investment will receive a Section 18A certificate for tax purposes.  

GTP CEO, Warren Hewitt, said: “Cities all around the world are improved and enhanced by small groups of active citizens who choose to make a contribution in whatever way they can. The Clock Tower project is one such opportunity. The fundraising campaign for the clock tower is designed to spark the imagination of all citizens in Bellville, who feel a connection with the city and who want to see it enhanced and improved. We really want to get the whole community behind this campaign, for everyone to play their part in creating a functional and beautiful public space.”

The full project will be delivered in three phases: Phase 1: to restore the clocks and refurbish the fountainPhase 2: to redevelop the gardens surrounding the clock tower and civic centre buildingsPhase 3: to build a new amphitheatre that can be used for community events  

The funding goals

To support work phase 1: R150 000 to get the clocks working, restore the fountain and refurbish the surrounding lightsTo support work phase

2: An extra R3 850 000 to restore the gardens surrounding the clock tower and fountainTo support work phase

3: A further R2 500 000 to build a new community events amphitheatre in the grounds adjacent to the clock tower

For more information, email GTP project manager, Marcus Fourie, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If businesses wish to make CSI-related donations, they will be able to receive a Section 18A certificate for tax purposes. Donations can be made on Thundafund here: https://thundafund.com/project/6716626611209984.