GOOD Statement by Siyabulela Mamkeli,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
08 April 2025
The City of Cape Town’s failure to adequately prepare for seasonal challenges is once again on full display. This summer, the city was caught off guard when it failed to open all public pools for the peak season, and now, with today’s heavy rains, we are seeing history repeat itself. The Urban Mobility Department’s inability to provide effective service delivery is evident in the widespread flooding caused by blocked stormwater drains.
Reports from communities across the city—particularly Athlone, Nyanga, Mfuleni, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha—highlight the extent of the problem, underscoring the deep neglect of economically marginalized communities. These communities, products of historic land dispossession and injustice, continue to bear the brunt of poor governance.
It is clear that the DA-led City of Cape Town lacks the political will to address the pressing needs of these communities. Whether they call it their “Winter Readiness Plan” or “Winter Preparedness Plan,” the fact remains that the City is failing to deliver on its responsibilities.
While the City touts its efforts on climate adaptation, the vulnerable communities most at risk continue to face preventable crises year after year. This is not simply a matter of incompetence; it is a glaring display of indifference to the legacy of apartheid spatial planning and ongoing inequality.
We urge all residents to report any incidents where public safety is at risk to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700. It is crucial to obtain a reference number to track service delivery requests and ensure the issues are resolved in a timely manner.
The time for excuses is over. The City of Cape Town must prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable communities and take immediate action to prevent these avoidable disasters.
Media enquiries: media@forgood.org.za