Cape Town mayoral hopefuls clash over crime, gangs and school access

Cape Town's mayoral hopefuls debated crime, gang violence, gender-based violence, and inadequate school access during a town hall meeting on October 14, 2026. Candidates from 11 parties addressed the public and media at The Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town's central business district.

BOSA mayoral candidate Roger Solomons pledged to fix broken streetlights and make public spaces safer. He emphasized investing in youth development and community safety, stating that young people often join gangs due to lack of safe, constructive outlets. Solomons called for a dedicated gender-based violence (GBV) desk in his office to address the issue.

The ANC's Political Task Team (PTT) Convenor for Western Cape, Jerimiah Thuynsma, argued that crime is a real, practical problem demanding coordinated action. He proposed reviving the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading programme, which was launched in 2008. Thuynsma also advocated for cooperation between Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies to tackle crime.

EFF MP and Cape Town mayoral candidate Carl Niehaus criticized the current municipal policing system, claiming it serves the Western Cape's independence from the rest of South Africa. He expressed concern over Operation Prosper, which he said exposes South African National Defence Force soldiers to divisions and criticism.

Vanessa Le Roux of Parents for Equal Education South Africa (PEESA) harshly criticized the candidates, stating she would never vote for them. She highlighted the ongoing issue of children being left behind in education, with approximately 20,000 children in the province lacking access to school. Le Roux warned that uneducated children are at risk of falling victim to gang recruitment, drugs, and violence, particularly girls facing teenage pregnancies. She demanded a plan to ensure every child has access to quality education in a safe environment.