Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has met with National Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, at District Six this week. This marked a significant moment in the ongoing restitution process as the next phase of housing development moves closer to construction.

Cape Town Mayor, Land Reform Minister meet on District Six restitution as next housing phase moves closer

The meeting, held on Wednesday 11 February, coincided with the 60th anniversary of the apartheid government’s whites-only area declaration. The declaration led to the forced removals of thousands of District Six residents.

“The City wants to see beneficiaries return to new homes in District Six as soon as possible, and we are doing everything possible within our role to make that a reality,” he said.

During the engagement, project teams briefed the Mayor and Minister on progress to date, with a key update confirming that the next phase of housing for verified District Six beneficiaries is ready to go out to construction tender. Mayor Hill-Lewis welcomed the development, saying the shared focus remains on restoring a vibrant, living community in District Six.

District Six Restitution Update: Housing Construction Phase Moves Closer

The Mayor also raised ongoing concerns around land protection, noting that the City has secured court interdicts over time to prevent unlawful occupation of restitution land. This matter was also highlighted by District Six trustees and escalated to the Minister during the meeting.

60 Years On: District Six Restitution Project Advances With New Housing Phase

Following their discussions, Mayor Hill-Lewis and Minister Nyhontso conducted a walkabout of the area, viewing sites earmarked for upcoming housing phases, key land protection zones, and the City’s current public space upgrades. These upgrades form part of the District Six public space plan developed in collaboration with the community and beneficiaries, with current work focused on the historic Chapel Street corridor.

Next Phase of District Six Housing Development Gets Green Light After High-Level Meeting

Chapel Street serves as a vital central link between Trafalgar Park near the Zeenatul Islamic Mosque in the east, the new restitution areas, District Six, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to the west. The Chapel Street project, which began in June 2025, is designed to support a people-centred public environment. This includes pedestrian prioritization, additional seating along walkways and traffic-calming measures to improve safety for children and the elderly. There’s also going to be the planting of trees and greenery to encourage social interaction.

Cape Town Mayor Meets Minister as District Six Housing Project Enters Next Phase

City officials say these upgrades complement the broader restitution effort, reinforcing the long-term vision of rebuilding District Six as a connected, inclusive, and thriving community.