GOOD Statement by Suzette Little,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Chairperson
16 January 2024
The DA-led City of Cape Town could prioritise collecting the trash in the townships which, because of its own incompetent and corrupt practises, is not being done.
It could prioritise repairing broken and overstretched sewerage systems in less affluent areas. Or providing clean water to all who need it. Or resurfacing roads that dont serve the suburbs.
It could prioritise deploying its considerable law enforcement resources to crack down on gangsterism. Or it could build sustainable facilities to occupy, train and develop township youth. Or it could give the so-called Council Flats a fresh coat of paint…
But it doesn’t do any of that because it has it’s hands full stopping residents expressing support for Palestine.
The City must stop hiding behind its by-laws and take residents into its confidence on the factors behind its distorted anti-Palestine obsession.
If it has to do with appeasing its funders, the people of Cape Town deserve to know – not least, in an election year.
Many communities in Cape Town, and residents of dilapidated council owned properties in particular, know too well the the difficulties of trying to get the council to effect basic maintenance or remove gang graffiti and profanities from their buildings.
What should these people think when they see the hurry with which the anti-Palestine brigade, protected by multiple law enforcement operatives, rushes in to paint over Palestine flag murals?
It is beyond mis-prioritising, it’s nauseating.
In a half-hearted attempt to defend its actions, the DA is trying to tie people up in technical arguments about which by laws apply.
Irrespective of under which by-law they are acting, the city’s actions paint a clear picture of its divisiveness in Cape Town, a multiculrural city.
Crucial resources are being wasted in support of narrow political interests.
Regardless of which by law it’s using against Palestine, the City’s new Outdoor Advertising by-law includes clauses that allow for the suppression of speech – and was pushed through by a DA majority without people having a say. This is unacceptable and must be corrected.
Any City that sees fit to curb expressions of support for justice does not deserve the respect or support of its residents.
GOOD encourages good citizens of Cape Town (regardless of their colour or religion or which political party they support) to continue speaking up for justice in Palestine.
Media Enquiries:
Suzette Little, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Chairperson
Cell: 073 321 5036
Email: suzettel@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za