(October 2009) The organ recently received it's quarterly tuning, and a complete overhaul of the internal lights. The old incandescent globes were all replaced with fluorescent tubes and the whole rewired to modern safety standards. The overhaul and cleaning is becoming ever-more urgent, but otherwise the old girl is holding up well!
Since its installation the Organ has had its share of "fun". In Afrikaans there is a proverb that reads "Die koëel is deur die kerk" (the bullet is through the church) which is similar to the "don't cry over spilt milk" proverb in English. In this Organ's case (no pun intended) it is a little close for comfort: The church is located near the infamous Hillbrow in Johannesburg's inner city, and as is wont to happen in these places the odd bullet has gone astray through the church windows. One ended up piercing the case, and lodging in the block of one of the 16' Principals. The pipe seems happy, so removal will probably have to wait until the overhaul...
Incidents like this aside, apart from the ubiquitous pigeons, the organ is remarkably clean, and in a very good state. One of the organists, Mr. Fourie, is passionately working towards raising funds for the project, which is due to happen soon. Despite there being no regular maintenance schedule, the job is not neglected. DUe to the congregation's severe financial constraints, the organ has been serviced by Smit Pipe Organ Builders at no charge since 2004.