JODI WINDVOGEL

Every afternoon, Chief Petty Officer Dudley Malgas ushers in the day with a resounding blast. Immaculately attired in his naval uniform, he has faithfully overseen Cape Town's Noon Gun for over two decades. This age-old tradition of firing a cannon from Signal Hill at precisely 12 pm traces its origins back to 1806. Even now, it punctuates the midday bustle of the city center. Yet, amidst the familiarity of the thunderous report, how many are acquainted with the man who orchestrates it?

Hailing from Mossel Bay, Malgas enlisted in the South African Navy in 1988 and assumed the role of cannoneer at Lion Battery in 1997. Here, two cannons take turns to thunder. A time-honored custom, it was established to allow sailors and locals to synchronize their timepieces. Like clockwork, the tradition endures and has evolved into a favored spectacle for tourists. Malgas embraces the commotion. He meticulously loads each cannon with over a kilogram of gunpowder, taking a moment to educate the gathered onlookers about its historical significance. After hoisting a flag to signal impending detonation, Malgas ensures everyone is a safe distance away before initiating the countdown. With a mighty roar, another afternoon unfurls.