The Western Cape Government (WCG) has announced a proposal to redevelop a portion of the contentious Tafelberg site in Sea Point. This move reignites a long-standing debate over the use of well-located public land for affordable housing.

Provincial MEC’s Tertuis Simmers and Jaco Londt revealed that the Department of Social Development (DSD) has formally requested that the site, previously used as a school, not be considered for disposal while its potential use for social services is assessed.

This decision follows an internal departmental review in line with the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA).

Government’s Perspective: Social Services and Affordable Housing Considerations

The MEC of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers emphasized the shifting demands on government services, citing economic challenges and the aftermath of COVID-19.

“In line with GIAMA, the DSD has identified the site as potentially valuable for social service delivery in the area,” said Simmers. “This means the property is no longer surplus to government requirements.”

Social Development MEC Jaco Londt highlighted the increasing demand for social welfare services, including residential services for persons with disabilities and older persons.

“The Department of Social Development plans to use this opportunity to broaden our social services footprint,” Londt stated. “We will be calling for proposals from partners to assist our most vulnerable residents.”

Despite the shift in approach, the WCG insists that it remains committed to affordable housing in well-located areas. The Department of Infrastructure will continue its investigation into the feasibility of affordable housing on a portion of the Tafelberg site that was previously used for accommodation.

Simmers noted that while the obligation to use the site solely for affordable housing has been contested in court, the government is committed to optimizing the site’s development.

“The Constitutional Court will soon rule on the previous disposal process, and we believe any judgment will still allow us to allocate part of the site for affordable housing,” he added.

The site has been the subject of litigation for several years. On 11 February, the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on whether the now abandoned private sale of the property was constitutional.

However, this now seems moot, as the WCG no longer intends to sell, and the previous successful bidders, the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School, pulled out of the deal voluntarily.

ALSO READ: SCA rule in favour of WCG, overturns judgement on Tafelberg site

Activists Demand Firm Commitment to Affordable Housing

Housing activists, however, have expressed scepticism over the government’s latest announcement, accusing the province of failing to engage in meaningful public participation and delaying affordable housing development.

Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU), an advocacy group that has long campaigned for social housing on the site, questioned the transparency of the decision-making process.

“The manner in which this announcement was made continues to raise concerns about public involvement in decisions on public land,” the organization stated. “There have been repeated calls for the site to be used for well-located affordable housing to address Cape Town’s housing and segregation crisis.”

Buhle Booi, Head of Political Organizing at Ndifuna Ukwazi, criticized the WCG’s stance.

“We need a firm commitment to affordable housing on Tafelberg, not mere exploration,” Booi said. “Nine feasibility studies have already shown that affordable and social housing are possible on the site. What is being explored when the housing crisis continues to compound?”

Activists also took issue with the suspension of a previously announced public participation process. “The Province unilaterally suspended public engagement without consultation or explanation,” NU stated. “We remain committed to ensuring the rights of the most vulnerable in our city are realized.”