A “preliminary” visit last week by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to find a suitable location to house the homeless community in Muizenberg has left residents with questions on why they were not informed about the process.
Muizenberg residents learned of the mayor’s visit via a social media post. The post has left many asking where street people would be housed during winter and why the residents were not given an option for public participation.
When People’s Post reached out to Ward 64 councillor Aimee Kuhl, she said the mayor’s visit was a “preliminary” one.
“This was a preliminary visit of the mayor and Mayco to understand the needs of the Muizenberg homeless community.”
Resident Chris Taylor questioned whether the safe space would be for street people in Muizenberg only.
“What is coming to Muizenberg? A safe space for the homeless? I wouldn’t mind if it was just our homeless but I do fear an influx.”
Commenting on the social media post, Kgara Kevin Rack asked whether any of the residents around the park had been consulted.
“When there is no transparency there will be resistance.”
Peter Corbett, chair of the Muizenberg Improvement District (MID), claimed there would be a public participation process.
“But whichever location is ultimately selected, there will be some folks who will not approve. It’s what is called a Nimby (not in my backyard). But the broader needs of the whole of society must ultimately prevail.”
Joanne Hichens wrote that it was degrading for street people to sleep on the streets.
“The homeless sleeping under the bridge is degrading for the homeless and dangerous for residents as criminals infiltrate the true homeless community. Surely a shelter as well as programmes to rehome the destitute is preferable?”
Jean Mary Gray commented that living on the streets wasn’t safe.
“I went up the Battle of Muizenberg site a few years ago on a historical outing, and we had to have a security guard. And the site had to be cleaned up.
“This is no way to live, spread up through the trees and in the damp. Virtually up to Boyes Drive. It is not safe for them or for other people who live in the vicinity.
“I understand that there are several complex issues around homelessness and I don’t have the answers. But if any one of them wishes to be in dry, warmer facilities at least they may be available and help may be on offer.”
City of Cape Town spokesperson Janine Willemans said the sites visited were identified as possible options to establish a safe space for street people in Muizenberg.
“The sites in Muizenberg, which the mayor was invited to visit, have been identified by the local MID as possible options for the establishment of a holistic safe space facility in Muizenberg.
“The safe space model includes dignified shelter, comfort and ablutions, two meals per day, access to a social worker on-site, personal development planning, ID book and social grant assistance, access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment, skills training, help finding a job, and EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) work placement.
“Proper consideration of the viability of each or any of these sites for this purpose will now have to be done by the City’s officials; and it would, therefore, be premature to comment further on the matter at this stage.”
