‘The Arch spent time here’: Tutu Memorial Park takes shape

The first sod has been turned on the Tutu Memorial Park project in Milnerton, marking the start of construction on a space deeply connected to the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his family.

The park, formerly known as Lupin Park, sits directly opposite the Tutu family home and was a familiar part of the Arch’s daily life.

It was a place where he walked, spoke to neighbours, interacted with children and collected his thoughts. Those close to him also recalled how he would stop to pick up litter, reflecting his belief that caring for people went hand in hand with caring for the environment.

Mama Leah Tutu, who still lives opposite the park, joined Thursday’s sod-turning ceremony, smiling and waving as the project officially moved into construction.

“Thank you so much for coming out on this very windy day to make this special, very special gift of honouring my husband possible,” she said.

“It’s very special to me and my family at heart. We will continue to make this a warm and welcoming place for everyone.”

She then led guests in three cheers, calling out: “Hip-hip, hip-hip, hip-hip and so say all of us!”

The memorial park will include an extensive children’s play area reflecting Archbishop Tutu’s well-known love for children, a reflective memorial garden, an amphitheatre, picnic and gathering spaces, a dedicated dog free-run area and landscaped recreational areas.

Murals, sculptures, mosaics and other public artworks will tell the story of Archbishop Tutu’s life and legacy, while the park will also receive new pathways, lighting, signage, irrigation, parking, accessibility features and public amenities.

Councillor Francine Higham said the location made the memorial especially meaningful.

“For many years, this was a neighbourhood park across the road from the Tutu family home. The Arch spent time here, Mama Leah still lives here, so there is something very fitting about the fact that his memory will live here too, in a living, everyday community space,” she said.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the strongest focus of the project was always going to be children.

“What makes me so proud is that for many, many years to come, decades to come, thousands and thousands of little young Capetonians will play in this park,” he said.

The amphitheatre will also give local artists, dancers and performers a community stage, while public art will teach younger generations about Tutu’s contribution to South Africa and the world.

Dr Mamphela Ramphele, chairperson of the Archbishop Tutu Intellectual Property Trust, said the park should also remind visitors of the Arch’s respect for nature.

“The one thing that this park will remind us of… is that he would never walk past a piece of paper that someone has dropped on the ground.

"I believe that we, as Capetonians and as South Africans, should see the turning of the sod of this park as a turning point for us to become self-respecting and respectful of the ecosystem and Mother Earth that God has given us. The Arch has left us a very shining example.

"Let's honor him by remembering him,” Ramphele said.

Construction is expected to take about six months.