Owen Kinahan's legacy: Championing conservation and community in Rondebosch

Tributes have poured in for the late Ward 59 councillor Owen Kinahan from Rondebosch, who died earlier this month.

John Kinahan, the younger brother of Mr Kinahan, confirmed that his brother had died on Sunday, January 4, from health complications at the age of 70, just days before his 71st birthday.

In his time serving the community, Mr Kinahan served many roles. He was the Ward 59 councillor for 15 years. His brother said he would be remembered as a tireless supporter of many causes important to the Rondebosch area, with a special interest in its cultural heritage.

“He was a hard-working and committed servant of the community. Of Owen, it can be truly said that “he did his bit,” John said.

In his earlier career, after graduating from the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a degree in education, he taught at Swakopmund, Namibia, before returning to UCT to work as an alumni officer, a role he served for many years until he moved into public life and followed local politics.

John said his brother had a great love of the arts, which included drama, and in his later years, he focused on the conservation of important historical buildings and landmarks.

“He was instrumental in the restoration to full working order of the then ruined Josephine Mill in Newlands, South Africa’s earliest water-driven grain mill,” he said. 

Mr Kinahan also paid attention to the iconic Rondebosch Common; his efforts and contribution are commemorated on a large boulder at the south-eastern corner of the Common.

Former mayoress of Cape Town in the early 1990s, Marilyn Keegan, who is the wife of the late Cape Town mayor, Clive Keegan, said that Mr Kinahan was a good former colleague and also one of the best councillors to have served the community where she lives.

“He did a lot for conservation in the area and also played a big role in conserving the Rondebosch Common,” she said.

Mr Kinahan was also part of the Forum of Chairpersons of Subcouncils (FOCUS), which was a body that worked under the City of Cape Town. An administrator for FOCUS, Helen Rolls, worked with Mr Kinahan for many years.

“He was a no-nonsense person; we got on like a house on fire. He was not just a boss, but a very good friend as well,” she said.

Ms Rolls remained in touch with him when he retired.

Mr Kinahan was honoured by receiving the Molteno Gold Medal for “Lifetime Achievements in Conservation” by the Cape Tercentenary Foundation in 2011. He also received the Cape Times Centenary Medal for conservation as well.

A memorial service was held for Mr Kinahan last Friday, January 16, at Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands, and was attended by close friends and family.

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