Sentech Tower, Johannesburg

The Sentech Tower is located in the western suburb of Brixton. At 778 feet tall, it is around 100 feet shorter than the Telkom Jo’Burg tower to the north, but is ten years older. The two towers are both visible all across this sprawling city, and are used for navigation by Johannesburg residents each day. The Sentech Tower, now named after an internet service provider, was designed by Ove, Arup and Partners. It was originally named after radio pioneer Albert Hertzog. It began transmitting radio and TV frequencies in 1961, and currently broadcasts 7 television stations and up to 18 FM radio channels.

Johannesburg is known for its stormy, unpredictable weather, with lightning and high winds particularly prevalent. The tower was built to withstand winds of up to 120 miles per hour, and can lean by as much as six feet in any direction in gale force conditions. This is due to the tower’s concrete cantilevered structure. The tower is closed to the public, although a viewing platform in the tower was accessible until 1982. It is hoped that, as part of the regeneration of the city centre and inner city suburbs, the tower may soon be opened up to visitors once again.