Mystery Partially Solved: Johannesburg’s Historic Mayoral Chains Found in Bank Vault, Sword Heads to Museum
By Nexio News | March 8, 2026
The long-standing mystery surrounding the whereabouts of Johannesburg’s historic mayoral chains and a ceremonial sword has taken a significant step toward resolution. Opposition councillors were recently granted access to inspect some of the artefacts in a bank vault, bringing partial clarity to months of political debate.
Mayoral Chains: Some Found, Others Still Missing
After repeated inquiries from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Johannesburg officials escorted councillors to a secure bank vault where four mayoral chains were confirmed to be stored. The chains, symbols of civic authority traditionally worn by the mayor during official events, are made of gold and adorned with the city’s coat of arms.
DA councillor Bongani Nkwanyana, who has been closely monitoring the issue, expressed cautious relief. “We saw four chains, so at least some are secure. But eight chains exist in total—where are the others?” he said. The missing chains represent former municipal areas like Soweto, Sandton, and Randburg, absorbed into Johannesburg over time.
The controversy began after the closure of the Metro Centre, the city’s former administrative hub, raised concerns about the safekeeping of these valuable and historically significant items. The DA accused city officials of providing inconsistent answers, fueling suspicions of mismanagement.
Freedom Regiments Sword: Safe and Heading to Museum
The debate over the chains also reignited interest in another artefact—the Freedom Regiments Sword, once displayed in the Metro Centre’s foyer. Rumors swirled about its disappearance, but military historians have confirmed its safety.
Retired Lt. Col. Harry van Staden of the Johannesburg Regiment Association clarified that the sword was legally removed in July 2024 due to the deteriorating state of the Metro Centre. “The sword was never the city’s property—it belongs to the Freedom Regiments Association. We simply moved it for preservation,” he said.
The ceremonial blade, commissioned in 1986 for Johannesburg’s centenary, symbolizes the historic relationship between the city and its military regiments. Contrary to rumors, it is not made of gold but stainless steel, valued for its historical, not material, worth.
A New Public Display
The sword is now set for a new home at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold. After undergoing cleaning, it will be featured in a dedicated “Regiments Room,” opening to the public on May 24, 2026.
“This is where it belongs—somewhere people can learn its story,” Van Staden said.
Unanswered Questions Remain
While the sword’s fate is settled, the location of the remaining mayoral chains remains unclear. The City of Johannesburg has yet to provide answers, leaving councillors and heritage advocates demanding full transparency.
As Johannesburg grapples with preserving its civic heritage, the partial recovery of these artefacts offers hope—but the search for the missing chains continues.
— Reported by Nexio News
