GOOD Statement by Axolile Notywala,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
02 May 2025
The GOOD Party remains committed to improving the lives of residents at the Pickwick Transitional Housing Facility, where families displaced from Pine Road over six years ago continue to endure substandard, overcrowded living conditions.
Despite promises of permanent housing, not a single brick has been laid at the Pine Road site. Pickwick has sadly become part of a broader and disturbing trend, much like Blikkiesdorp, where “temporary” housing becomes permanent limbo.
Representatives from GOOD met with officials from the City of Cape Town and the facility’s Management Company to address the numerous issues raised by the residents at the facility.
Pine Road Development Delays:
The City confirmed that the Pine Road housing development remains a “top priority,” but cited a lack of funding from national government and SHRA’s budget constraints as the main barrier. This delay continues to deny families the dignified housing they were promised.
Clarity on Management Company’s Role:
We requested a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Management Company to better understand their responsibilities, including issues around the employment and treatment of Pickwick residents.
Reviving a Residents’ Committee:
We suggested the revival of a functional residents’ committee to support better communication, transparency, and resolution of issues affecting those living at Pickwick.
Forced Marriages Allegations:
Both the City and the Management Company denied the disturbing reports of residents being coerced into marriage to remain at the facility. It was resolved that affected residents will be assisted in submitting sworn police affidavits to support their claims.
Review of Entry Restrictions:
We proposed that the current rules at Pickwick be reviewed in line with the Dladla v City of Johannesburg Constitutional Court judgment, which sets clear limits on restricting entry into transitional housing facilities.
GOOD is committed to holding the City accountable. We call on the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government to immediately provide transparent development timelines for Pine Road and other so-called “released” sites, and to treat transitional housing residents with the dignity and rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org