In 1960 the sculptor Herman Wald was commissioned by Harry Oppenheimer to create a study of leaping impala in memory of his father, the late Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. This structure was familiarly known as the Oppenheimer Fountain, and it was located in Oppenheimer Park behind the Rissik Street Post Office in the center of Johannesburg.
It was a familiar landmark to anybody that grew up in the city in the 1960-1990's and was the informal symbol of Johannesburg. However, by the late 1990's the deterioration of the park and the downturn in the central business district in Joburg meant that the park was no longer a safe or pleasant place to see or visit.
Inevitably, vandalism took its toll and parts of the fountain were cut off, probably to be sold for scrap. Eventually what was left was completely removed from the park and the public was left without one of the city's most recognizable icons.
The bronze was subsequently restored by Herman Wald's son Michael and reinstated at a new location in Main Street, opposite the headquarters of Anglo American. It was unveiled by Mrs Bridget Oppenheimer on 21 May 2002.
As for the park ...
It is also being redeveloped. More impalas have replaced the leaping impalas. An increase in security and amenities has started bringing people back to the park. I have yet to visit Oppenheimer Park but I will go on my next walking tour. I promise, Joburg.
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