Cape Town's Assertive Stride into 2024: Mayor Reveals Vision and Achievements

Cape Town has entered 2024 with a bold and optimistic outlook under Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis's leadership, as revealed in the recent annual Mayoral Minute. Addressing constituents, Hill-Lewis shared a vision filled with significant advances, particularly in public infrastructure, safety, and economic development.

Reflecting on the achievements, Mayor Hill-Lewis appreciated the collective efforts of Cape Town's citizens and detailed landmarks in the city's development trajectory. In 2024, the city allocated a record R9.7 billion to public infrastructure, prioritizing sanitation improvements which have historically plagued areas like Cape Flats. With an investment of R715 million, the Cape Flats Bulk Sewer upgrade stands as the largest of its kind in South Africa, set to positively impact 300,000 households by addressing critical sanitation needs.

On safety, the introduction of the LEAP (Law Enforcement Advancement Plan) officers and technologies such as ShotSpotter, which detects gunshots in real time, is reshaping Cape Town’s law enforcement landscape. A notable empowerment came from the national coalition government's decision to grant local police investigative powers, a move expected to enhance the efficacy of policing efforts in the city.

Public spaces and recreational facilities also received sharp attention in 2024. Mayor Hill-Lewis proudly noted the successful rehabilitation of several public areas and the reopening of 37 city swimming pools, often located in communities facing socio-economic challenges.

Economically, Cape Town's landscape is booming. Since the beginning of Hill-Lewis’s tenure, over 300,000 jobs have been created, with an additional 130,000 construction jobs anticipated due to ongoing infrastructure projects. "Any year that ends with more people in jobs and fewer people unemployed is a good year," remarked Hill-Lewis, encapsulating the city's economic surge.

Looking forward, the mayor expressed high hopes for 2025, buoyed by strong political support and an engaged citizenry committed to sustaining the growth and welfare of their city. His acknowledgment of the people's role in the city's accomplishments in 2024 reinforced a community-focused approach to governance.

As Cape Town continues on its path of transformation and growth, Mayor Hill-Lewis’s administration remains committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and resilient city, poised for future successes.