Cape Town housing crisis dominates mayoral debate

Mayoral debates in Cape Town ahead of the upcoming local government elections have dominated discussions about the city’s housing crisis. Opposition parties have accused the DA-led administration of failing to resolve the issue, while the governing party defended its spending and delivery record. During a debate moderated by Lorenzo Davids, Jeremias Thuynsma of the ANC stated that housing remained a real issue in Cape Town and pledged that an ANC government would reimagine the city, ensuring that housing plans would lead to actual construction.

Cheslyn Daniels of the Patriotic Alliance emphasized the need for an independent oversight body to monitor how and where funds are allocated, calling for a city where "the people shall govern." Emre Uygun of VF Plus highlighted the urgency of the housing crisis, noting that 500,000 people are on Cape Town’s housing waiting list and over 80,000 live in backyard dwellings.

Eddie Andrews of the DA defended the party’s record, emphasizing the city’s investment in housing and job creation, but acknowledged that more work is needed. Brett Herron of the ActionSA party called for public land to be made available for public purposes, arguing that the DA’s housing policies do not address the spatial injustices in Cape Town.

Dereleen James of ActionSA further urged political parties to better understand the daily realities faced by communities, advocating for a "30-minute city" where essential services are within easy reach.