By Alana Bailey

In previous newsletters we reported on the beloved Cape Town heritage beacon, Mostert’s Mill, which suffered seriously damage as a result of a runaway veld fire on 18 April 2021. A word of thanks to everyone who has already made donations for the restoration of this unique building with its rich history. The historical background of the mill can be read here.

Since April, Friends of Mostert’s Mill have not allowed grass to grow under their feet. During this group of volunteers’ annual general meeting on 7 October 2021, a report outlined the progress made to date. The latest news in this regard is also regularly published on their website, where many interesting photographs can be seen. The ideal is that the mill will be in a fully working condition by 18 April 2023 once more.

But first a brief answer to the frequently asked question whether the mill had been insured. The last individual to own the mill, was Cecil John Rhodes. He bequeathed it to the state, as a gift to the South African nation. The Friends of Mostert’s Mill explains:

It is managed by the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPW), and Heritage Western Cape (HWC) also oversees it as a provincial heritage resource. All state-owned buildings are in effect self-insured by the Government. The DPW does not employ millers who can operate and maintain the Mill, so that function has been conceded to the Friends of Mostert’s Mill, who have kept the Mill in full working condition for the past 25 years.

This unique group of enthusiasts therefore literally and figuratively keeps the mill turning with their personal labour, expertise and resources, and thanks to them, the fundraising process for the restoration is also in full swing. They deserve our greatest applause and gratitude for practically illustrating the way in which the future of heritage can be secured by means of community involvement.

At present, the remains of the building are still being protected against rain damage by a tarpaulin. A construction engineer and a heritage specialist architect completed reports on the restoration of the building and based on these, HWC and DPW now have to give permission for the project to start.

The inner workings of the mill have been removed with the necessary permission and are being stored safely. Some of it can be reused, which is a big bonus. Repairs to the rest have already begun, after HWC had given the green light to Friends to go ahead.

Among other things, Friends have already received a donation of ironwood and many financial contributions from abroad and locally. It is going to be an expensive project, and more donations are most welcome. Members of the public and corporates can also join Friends of Mostert’s Mill. The banking details, as well as the latest information are available at http://www.mostertsmill.co.za/.

We would like to thank the dedicated group of volunteers for their efforts and look forward to the day when we will be able to report that the mill’s sails are dancing on the wings of the wind in Cape Town once more.