Historic town square to be modernised amid concerns about theft and safety
The Hexagon, Komani’s six-sided town square on Cathcart Road that dates back to 1853, will be refurbished in a multimillion-rand project aimed at improving public safety, protecting the monument from vandalism and upgrading its public amenities, the Enoch Mgijima local municipality has confirmed.
The municipality has allocated R3m from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant for the works and a contractor is already on site. The project is expected to take up to eight months, the municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said.
"It aims to transform this iconic site into a safer, more vibrant and visually appealing public space," Kowa said.
The Hexagon sits in the middle of Komani’s main thoroughfare, with six streets radiating from the square. According to the municipality, it was established for military defence during the Frontier Wars and was designed to allow cannon or rifle fire down each approach.
Scope of work and visible changes
The municipality outlined a multi-faceted scope intended to address both aesthetic and functional aspects of the site. Key elements announced include the installation of CCTV cameras, a classical steel fence designed to balance security with visibility, and the restoration of the existing water fountain to make the square more inviting.
- Installation of CCTV cameras to improve surveillance and deter theft and vandalism
- Construction of a classical steel fence to enhance perimeter security while maintaining openness
- Restoration of the central fountain and refurbishment of cobblestone walkways
- Landscaping, including removal and replacement of dead trees, and improved pedestrian access
- Construction of a security guard house with a toilet and an additional multipurpose room for photographers or event facilitators
Kowa said the upgrades are intended to make the site "safer, more vibrant" and to improve both appearance and usability for events and everyday use.
Local context: theft, repairs and the pressure on service budgets
The revamp comes as Komani battles ongoing cable theft that has required the municipality to spend millions originally earmarked for service delivery to replace stolen infrastructure. While the R3m allocation for the Hexagon is specific to this project, the wider financial pressure on municipal programmes is a local reality that residents and businesses have witnessed in recent years.
Municipal investment in central public spaces is often justified on grounds beyond aesthetics: improved lighting, surveillance and active use can reduce crime and attract people back to town centres, which in turn supports traders and municipal revenue streams. The Hexagon, visible to commuters and shoppers passing along Cathcart Road, is a focal point for such activity.
What residents can expect and how long it will take
Work has begun on site and the municipality has said the project could take up to eight months to complete. During that period residents and road users should expect phased activity around the square as landscaping, cobblestone refurbishment and security installations are carried out.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Budget | R3m (Municipal Infrastructure Grant) |
| Expected duration | Up to eight months |
| Major upgrades | CCTV, steel fence, fountain restoration, landscaping, guard house |
As the project progresses, the municipality will need to manage traffic flow and pedestrian access while preserving the Hexagon’s historic character. Heritage groups and traders in the town centre will be watching to see how the balance between security, accessibility and preservation is handled.
The Hexagon’s makeover is a visible municipal investment in Komani’s public realm. If the works deliver on the promise of improved safety and increased activity, the square could regain its place as a well-used civic space and help anchor further renewal in the town centre.
