'Illegal land occupations not only consume the physical space needed for housing developments but also create a ripple effect of budget cuts and costly reallocations.’ Picture Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
by Tertuis Simmers
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has been fervently working towards creating a more prosperous and inclusive province, but its efforts are being heavily impeded by the illegal invasion of public property, especially in Cape Town.
I am appealling to citizens and activists alike to collaborate with the government rather than obstructing its efforts. As he poignantly puts it, “those with ears, let them hear.”
Illegal land occupations not only consume the physical space needed for housing developments but also create a ripple effect of budget cuts and costly reallocations.
These invasions jeopardise the WCG's capacity to deliver much-needed affordable housing, leaving deserving beneficiaries who have been on waiting lists for years without a stable and dignified home.
We are committed to addressing the rising demand for affordable housing near economic and job opportunities, a challenge that reflects a global concern compounded by South Africa's historical inequalities.
Despite a clear understanding of this multifaceted issue, illegal occupations persist, diverting funds meant for housing projects to security and legal battles.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, national legislation prevented the eviction of illegal occupants, leading to a significant escalation in invasions.
Between March 2020 and December 2021 alone, over 69,318 informal structures were erected on public lands scheduled for housing developments. The City of Cape Town has been particularly hard hit.
Compounding the problem, the WCG encountered a staggering cut of R521,495,000 in its 2023/24 budget by the national government. This financial blow forced the government to downwardly adjust its delivery targets.
Misinformation suggesting improper budget expenditure has further muddled the public perception.
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, and its preceding departments, have spent 100% of available funds each year on its Human Settlement Development Grant since 2019.
The strain on budgets has forced the WCG to spend R987 million on security measures since 2019, a task that extends beyond its legislative mandate but has become necessary due to the South African Police Service being under-resourced in the region. Altogether, illegal invasions have cost the WCG over R1.5 billion in the past five years—money that could have been used to construct additional houses for deserving families.
Two prime examples of earmarked sites for affordable housing projects are the Woodstock Hospital and the Helen Bowden Nurses Home. Both properties are currently illegally occupied, significantly delaying development plans. Despite these setbacks, the WCG has delivered 46,000 housing opportunities from 2019 to 2024.
Activist groups, particularly those involved with the Reclaim the City campaign, have been vocal against the WCG, accusing it of wasting money on court cases. However, Simmers points out that these groups themselves instigate legal battles, often losing but continuing to appeal decisions, thus escalating costs. The case concerning the Tafelberg school site alone has cost the government over R5 million.
The real victims in this standoff are those who continue to live in substandard conditions, backyard dwellers who cannot afford to rent or buy a home, and rightful beneficiaries stuck for decades on housing lists.
“Those with ears, let them hear,” repeats Simmers, urging unlawful occupants and their supporters to channel their efforts into supporting WCG's initiatives to build a prosperous, inclusive Western Cape.
* Tertuis Simmers Is the Western Cape Infrastructure MEC.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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