The Battle for Survival The battle for Markhams Then the 6 September 1978 meeting took place – 18 representatives from five heritage bodies attended, the Heritage Coalition was formed, and a petition drive was set in motion. Tables were manned in the CBD, Sandton and Randburg, collecting signatures; posters were made; the media was informed of progress; the owners were engaged. The battle for Markhams had begun.
Ball recounts how bookmarks appeared with a drawing of the building, with the wording: "Keep this, it may be the last you ever see of Markhams"; and "This is the only building in Johannesburg your grandfather would be likely to recognise".