Mayoral Commissioner for Urban Development Brett Herron speaks to Reclaim the City supporters at the 4th Affordable Housing Africa Conference in Cape Town. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks
“We’re here because we need housing,” said Woodstock resident Fagmida Desiree Lin. She stood as part of a group of Take Back Our City supporters holding placards outside the 4th Affordable Housing Africa Conference held at a hotel in Cape Town’s CBD on Tuesday.
Brett Herron, Mayoral Commissioner for Urban Development, announced that 10 city-owned sites in the downtown area, including Woodstock and Salt River, will be used for public and affordable housing.
Herron characterized his announcement as a “180-degree change in the city’s approach to urgent housing needs.”
He announced plans to develop two urban areas along Pine Road, followed by six urban areas along Dillon Lane. “The proposed development will be between two and four storeys high, with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The two sites will provide approximately 240 social housing units for people earning less than R15,000 a month. Beneficiaries must be registered in the city’s housing database and be able to pay rent,” he said.
Herron said bidding for the project will be completed within two to three months. He added that the Salt River Market development on Albert Road, once completed, would also provide 476 affordable housing units.
“We will subsidize rental units for households earning less than R15,000 a month, and provide GAP rental housing for households with incomes between R3,500 and R20,000. Retail and office space will be part of the development to cross-subsidise housing opportunities and ensure long-term financial sustainability,” he said.
brawl outside
The announcement came amid some confusion as demonstrators tried to force their way into the room where Herron was scheduled to speak, and a scuffle between protesting residents and hotel staff appeared to force residents and members of the media into the doorway.
After about 15 minutes, the group was allowed in and asked not to disrupt the proceedings. Mr. Herron began his speech by saying, “When we take back the City, its members will be welcomed here. We welcome them and ask that their demands be heard.”
He told participants at the meeting that the city estimates that around 650,000 households with monthly incomes of less than R13,000 will depend on the city for housing between now and 2032.
“This is partly a result of unemployment, slowing economic growth and rapid urbanization,” he said. Herron said the company has about 320,000 people in its housing database.
“The urgent need for housing for Cape Town’s most vulnerable households is the biggest challenge facing us as a municipality today. Our challenges are exacerbated by the unprecedented growth of the property market in areas close to major employment nodes and along public transport routes,” he said.
Outside the venue, Herron shared his concerns with a group of residents. Mr Lin also apologized on behalf of the demonstrators involved in the earlier disturbance outside the conference room.
Referring to the Albert Road case, Mr Lin said: “We have approached the council with a report on potential places to live. Today you mentioned that social housing is being implemented. We are in the process of being evicted and we don’t know what position we are in. What will happen to us if we are evicted? When will the infrastructure be built?”
Herron responded that assessments need to be done for people facing immediate eviction. “We will support families and provide them with offers available in our current social housing developments in Steenberg and Milnerton. If you have been moved to social housing for emergency support, you can apply to move back to Woodstock once those buildings are completed. Those who are not eligible will be housed in transitional housing space in Wolwelivia, but we are looking at developing transitional housing in many areas of the city.”
Mr Herron assured residents that the city will inform the court of Albert Road Group’s alternative accommodation options.
“This isn’t going to happen overnight. We’re catching up on work that hasn’t happened in the past…I understand your frustration. I’ve been doing this for five months and I’m trying to catch up,” he said.
Reclaim the City’s Ntombi Sambu asked Heron: “Have you been to Wolwelibia? What happens to the transitional housing tenants who are not eligible? How do they move into the city to make a living?”
“The Constitutional Court ruled last week that it (Wolwelivier) is acceptable for transitional housing. We are still looking for other locations so that people have more options,” he said.
welcome change
In a press release after the event, Reclaim the City welcomed the plans, saying, “These are steps in the right direction, and Councilor Brett Herron should be commended for showing the leadership this city needs.”
“But we are also cautious. We have heard many promises in the past, only to be disappointed. What we need now is clear deadlines and implementation. Until that happens, many of us still face eviction and transfer to relocation camps. We say unequivocally: ‘We are not going!'” the statement continued. No one moves from their home to the camp like Wolwelibia. We resist staying in our homes until we find the brick, the front door, and the keys! ”
Post-publication correction: The article originally said there were 15 “Take Back Our Cities” protesters. There were about 15 people inside the venue, but there were many more outside. Also, one of the quotes attributed to Herron was unclear and was removed.
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