The fire was lit during a protest by the South African Municipal Workers' Union held at the building earlier in the day.

[2] In order to restore the building to how it was, project leaders had to import material from other countries, such as roofing from Italy.

[3] The city hall lies on President Brand Street next to the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa and faces Hertzog Square.

The entrance on President Brand Street is designed symmetrically with two towers.

Over the symmetrical entrance hang signs indicating Stadhuis and City Hall.