The Border Historical Society are very privileged to be able to host a fascinating talk titled: The Construction of the Steve Biko Bridge.
The year 2027 will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the John Vorster Bridge, named in honour of the former Prime Minister of South Africa. On 12 September 1997, the bridge was officially renamed the Steve Biko Bridge, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Steve Biko’s death.
Join civil engineer Enrico Contardo when he documents his recollections of the construction of this rather unconventional bridge structure. on Thursday 29 October 2026 at 19:00 in the Blue Room at Berea Gardens: The Valley in Jarvis Road
The City Engineer’s Department of East London realized as far back as the early 1960’s that the double-decker, road-rail steel bridge over the Buffalo River, erected in 1931, was inadequate to carry the increased vehicle traffic. Several proposed solutions were investigated, including upgrading the steel bridge to a dual carriageway. In 1968 it was finally agreed to build a completely new five span bridge, some 300m west of the steel bridge.
The Biko Bridge runs approximately in a North / South direction linking the Central Business District to the West Bank industrial area of East London and overlooks the East London harbour.
Who is Enrico Contardo?
Enrico graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a BSc in Civil Engineering in 1973. He was employed by local partners - Murray and Stewart (Border) - of the successful Joint Venture Contractors as an engineer working on the bridge site. He subsequently worked for CBM Africa Consulting Engineers and retired as Managing Director in February 2017. He is now working as an independant consultant for CBM Africa. Enrico was also the Honorary Vice Consul for Italy in East London from 2011 to 2020 and Consular Agent of Italy in East London from 2020 to 2026.
All are welcome to attend. There will be time for questions. We hope to be able to serve Tea and coffee after the talk.