Battle between Reclaim the City & Western Cape govt over sale of Tafelberg property to resume in ConCourt! A long-standing legal dispute between Reclaim the City and the Western Cape government over the Tafelberg property in Sea Point will be heard in the Constitutional Court on Tuesday.
The case has been ongoing since 2015, when the Western Cape government decided to sell the Tafelberg site instead of using it for social housing. Housing activists argue that the decision reinforces spatial apartheid and prevents working-class residents from accessing affordable housing in prime urban areas.
The Fight for Social Housing
Reclaim the City, supported by its legal arm Ndifuna Ukwazi, has been at the forefront of this legal battle, challenging the government’s failure to provide affordable housing in well-located urban areas.
The group argues that the sale of the Tafelberg property contradicts commitments to land reform and equitable access to housing.
“Despite commitments to land reform, affordable housing in urban areas, and undoing spatial apartheid, political will and decisive action remain in question,” said Ndifuna Ukwazi executive director Mpho Raboeane.
The dispute has gained national attention, with housing activists arguing that the case sets a critical legal precedent for how government land should be used to address South Africa’s housing crisis.
Western Cape Government’s Response
The Western Cape government has defended its decision to sell the property, arguing that there were budgetary constraints and policy considerations at play.
However, amid mounting pressure from activists and civil society groups, the provincial government recently revised its stance, announcing a proposal to allocate a portion of the site for affordable housing while also using the land for social services.
Despite this partial concession, Reclaim the City remains firm in its demand for the entire site to be dedicated to social housing, insisting that selling off public land in well-located areas perpetuates inequality.
Security Breach and Weekend Protest
Tensions escalated further over the weekend when Reclaim the City staged a protest at the Tafelberg site.
Activists breached security and gathered at the property, calling for it to be immediately released for social housing.
The protest underscored the frustration of housing activists, who argue that the slow pace of change continues to exclude working-class people from prime urban locations.
“This case is a defining test of South Africa’s commitment to undoing spatial apartheid,” said Raboeane.
Activists view the Tafelberg case as symbolic of the broader struggle for land and housing in South Africa, where many working-class communities remain on the periphery of cities due to historic inequalities.
A Defining Legal Test for South Africa’s Cities
The Constitutional Court’s ruling on this matter is expected to set a precedent for future social housing developments in urban areas.
Housing activists argue that if the Western Cape government is allowed to sell off public land in prime locations, it will weaken the fight against spatial inequality and further entrench apartheid-era housing patterns.
On the other hand, the provincial government insists that balancing housing needs with financial constraints is essential for sustainable development.
The outcome of this case could reshape urban planning policies, influencing how government-owned land is allocated in major cities across South Africa.
For now, the focus remains on the Constitutional Court, where one of the most critical housing battles in South Africa’s recent history will play out on Tuesday.
In other news – Watch: Naked DJ and fiancée Kayleigh Schwark kick off February with viral dance challenge
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As soon as the video was posted, fans enthusiastically cast their votes, and it didn’t take long before Kayleigh emerged as the clear winner. While both partners showcased impressive dance moves, many followers agreed that Kayleigh stole the show with her rhythm and confidence. Read More