Kubayi Accuses City Of Cape Town of Sabotage Over Central Line Relocations

The City of Cape Town stands accused by the Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, for allegedly sabotaging the central line relocation attempts by her department and counterparts. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting in Philippi, Kubayi voiced concern over the City's non-committal attitude, leading her to declare a dispute as per the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (IGR).

In attendance were Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala as well as community leaders and local residents. However, representatives from the City of Cape Town were conspicuously absent. This, according to Minister Kubayi, shows the local municipality is not treating the central line relocations with the urgency the matter deserves.

The dispute between Kubayi and the City was declared following the City’s decision to return R50 million, granted by the Housing Development Agency for the purchase of relocation land, back to the National Treasury. Potentially impacting over 1254 families living in precarity near the Langa station, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stated the City’s role was that of an independent planning authority rather than direct intervention.

Ministers Chikunga and Kubayi voiced concerns over lengthy process times and local rejection of temporary housing units, which further delay resettlement efforts. While the trio of governmental departments are reportedly working on securing two additional parcels of land, the complex nature of these negotiations means no concrete progress can be reported.