Capetonians and visitors to the City have only one day to catch the magic and message of the SunStar, the art installation unveiled on Signal Hill on 19 November last year, as it moves to its permanent home at Sun City from 14 May.
Tens of thousands of people have seen the light of the 24-metre high sun-shaped sculpture beaming out across the City.
“We are really pleased to have been part of this project,” said Michael Farr, Sun International’s Group General Manager of Brand and Communications. “This was a considerable undertaking and we are proud to have had the endorsement of SanParks, the Robben Island Museum, the City of Cape Town, and the Department of Public Works in realising the SunStar. The SunStar’s installation on Signal Hill was designed to be temporary to coincide with the World Design Capital and our various approvals. Consistent with our permits, it will now be carefully dismantled and moved to its permanent home at Sun City.”
The sculpture was conceptualised and designed by Cape Town artist and founder of the Robben Island Art Company and Trust (RIACT), Christopher Swift, and was also a showcase project for Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014.
The SunStar was constructed in part from the steel from the original fence that once surrounded Robben Island. As sponsors of the installation, Sun International said that this critical component of the sculpture showed the way in which the ultimate symbol of apartheid has been transformed into an inspiring piece of art that now stands as an invitation to the world to share their hope for the future of South Africa.
Signal Hill environmental considerations
The installation of the sculpture followed comprehensive environmental, and geotechnical assessments. The SunStar was installed using an innovative ground anchorage system rather than conventional concrete foundation bases. This system was specifically designed for use in ecologically sensitive areas or areas where excavation is not possible, and required no earth works or concrete pouring, and allows the soil at the base to remain unsealed. It also means the structure can be easily removed after the permit period.
“Part of our agreement with all stakeholders was that the SunStar would leave no permanent footprint on Signal Hill, and the dismantling of the SunStar is subject to stringent guidelines which will ensure that the area where it stood is left as it was before, with plants that have been stored being restored as the SunStar comes down. The aim is to leave the area as it was before the SunStar was erected, if not in a better condition,” said Farr. “Full compliance with the specifications laid down within the Environmental Management Plan, signed off by the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, and the National Environmental Protected Areas Act will all be met.”
As part of the process, the site will be protected by a site preparation that has already started. The immediate work area will be protected from the surrounds of Signal Hill by placing brush as barriers to block access to the work area. An erosion control barrier will be laid, before the removal of all material. Then the soil will be prepared through the supply and spreading of organic fertiliser, and with composting and mulching.
After the soil preparation and landscaping of the area, a staggering 2 110 indigenous plants will be replaced in the area in a process overseen by SanParks. “Our commitment to the restoration of the area is so detailed that we know that the 400 Vygie plants that will return to their previous home will be white,” said Farr.
Since its installation on Signal Hill, the SunStar has been lit up by LED lights powered by solar panels housed in a temporary container. This will also be removed and stands on part of the area to be rehabilitated.
“We’d like to thank the City of Cape Town for hosting the SunStar, which has become an iconic sight for many people in the short time it has been on Signal Hill. With its message of hope and belief in the future we are proud to be able to give this work of art a permanent home at Sun City, as Sun International’s flagship resort. By giving it a permanent home it is our intention to honour the message of hope and looking to the future that is part of Chris Swift’s work,” said Farr.
