‘Another Blikkiesdorp?’ Housing group objects to City’s Gugulethu shelter plan

Residents and politicians have strongly objected to a proposed temporary housing development in Gugulethu, fearing the City of Cape Town may create another long-term settlement similar to Blikkiesdorp. The controversy revolves around plans to provide temporary accommodation in Gugulethu for residents of the Singabalapha informal settlement, while also generating housing opportunities for those in the Masonwabe Temporary Relocation Area and the wider Gugulethu area.

Thetha Community Organization, led by Nombeko Leputhing, has urged residents to oppose the proposal, citing the city's existing housing challenges, such as overcrowding, backyarders, and hostels, and questioning why residents are being moved from Observatory to the Cape Flats rather than developing housing closer to the inner city.

The organization advocates for a fair and proper housing plan for Gugulethu and surrounding communities, warning that decisions could further disadvantage marginalized communities. Public comment on the proposal closes on September 14. The GOOD Party warns that temporary relocation areas in Cape Town have often turned into long-term settlements, citing examples such as Blikkiesdorp, Wolwerivier, Masonwabe, and Pickwick Street in Salt River.

The party highlights that Masonwabe residents have been living in a temporary relocation area for 14 years. The organization met with Singabalapha community leaders, who expressed understanding of Masonwabe residents' concerns due to their ongoing fight for permanent homes. Thetha Community Organization has been involved in a lengthy housing and eviction dispute, having previously occupied the former Arcadia House property in Observatory before moving to City-owned land along Main Road following their eviction.

The City launched eviction proceedings and proposed emergency accommodation in Delft South, but the community opposed relocation from jobs, schools, and social networks. The Gugulethu site has emerged as an alternative option. Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim stated that the City has identified a Temporary Relocation Area in Gugulethu for temporary accommodation, but emphasized that it would also benefit existing Gugulethu residents and provide housing opportunities for Masonwabe TRA and the broader Gugulethu community using alternative building technology structures.

Pophaim assured that the City will prevent queue jumping, as unlawful occupants cannot have a greater right to subsidized housing than registered residents. The Gugulethu community would benefit first from the alternative building technology component, followed by qualifying evictees based on prescribed housing allocation processes.

However, the GOOD Party argues that the City is concentrating dense housing in historically disadvantaged areas already grappling with overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and violent crime, and questions why well-located public land closer to the inner city is not used for affordable housing.