A "BLUNDER" by the Cape Technikon has resulted in the destruction of the Garden of Remembrance at St Mark's church in District Six says Rector Father John Oliver.
He said yesterday that a tree had been uprooted and the grass and shurbs removed this week, leaving only a pile of stones and rubble.
The olive tree that was removed was donated by Bishop Desmond Tutu as a sign of reconcilliation and renewal.
Oliver said the garden had become a special place for the church and former residents of District Six.
After the forced removalsm St Mark's was left with a narrow strip of ground in front of the church, which, over the years, had been used for burying and scattering of ashes and planting of flowers of remembrance.
Oliver described the destruction of the garden as "a huge blunder by the technikon".
"I don't understand how the technikon could take such action without consultation with anyone at the church."
The development of the technikon, and resulting drainage and irrigation, has been partially blamed for the collapse of church walls and St Mark's faces an expensive restoration programme.
Technikon vice-rector Professor Nick Kok said there had been a misunderstanding as relations between the technikon and St Mark's had always been cordial. He said a meeting would be held today between the rector, Professor Marcus Balintulo and Oliver to resolve the matter.