GOOD Statement by Axolile Notywala,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
13 May 2025
For nearly two decades, the City of Cape Town, under the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has consistently failed in its constitutional obligation to provide access to housing. Despite repeated promises, more than 400,000 households remain on the City’s housing “waiting list,” with no clear path to relief. As the City continues to fall short, NGOs and community organisations are stepping in to fill the gap.
A recent report by GroundUp highlights how Streetscapes, a nonprofit organisation focused on reintegration and rehabilitation, is now fundraising to buy public land from the City to expand its transitional housing programme for the homeless, an effort that should be supported, not hindered, by government.
The exponential growth of informal settlements across Cape Town is further proof of this systemic failure of the City. In the absence of support, many residents have been forced to take matters into their own hands by occupying vacant land and buildings. Cases such as Cissie Gool House (formerly Woodstock Hospital) and Ahmed Kathrada House (formerly Helen Bowden Nurses Home, Greenpoint) are stark illustrations of communities acting out of desperation to secure shelter.
Streetscapes has stepped into the void left by government, providing transitional housing, a crucial service for those affected by eviction and homelessness. Their model not only provides shelter but also integrates social services to support residents on their journey toward permanent, affordable housing.
The GOOD Party has continued to spotlight similar challenges faced by residents of the Pickwick Transitional Housing Facility. This facility, initiated over six years ago as a temporary solution for families displaced by the promised Pine Road Social Housing, remains the City’s only such initiative. The Pine Road site itself stands empty to this day, with no construction timeline in sight.
It is unacceptable that organisations like Streetscapes must struggle to access land intended for public benefit. With vast portfolios of vacant and underutilised land and buildings, the City of Cape Town should be working hand-in-hand with these organisations, not placing barriers in their way. The properties requested by Streetscapes should be made available, free of charge, in recognition of the essential public service they are providing.
The City of Cape Town could learn a lot from Streetscape, in how transitional housing that prioritises care and dignity while providing social assistance to residents can be achieved. Public land must serve the public good. Until the City embraces this principle, NGOs and communities will be forced to do the work the City has long neglected.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org.za