Update: Proposed Hope Exchange Shelter Development

Due to the increasing number of adult persons living on the street, particularly in the city centre, the Western Cape Government (WCG) identified a need for an additional homeless shelter in Cape Town. It is our responsibility as government to care for the most vulnerable in our society and give them the opportunity to get support and critical rehabilitative services in a dignified and safe environment.

Currently, there are two shelters in the District Six area. This is unfortunately insufficient for the increasing number of individuals living on the street.

The Robbie Nurock Day Hospital was initially considered as a site for the development of a shelter. This plan was scrapped after asbestos was found on site.  This site has now been identified as a potential location for the Cape Town Museum, but this is still subject to funds being identified for the necessary renovation of the site.

The former Tafelberg Creche site in District Six was then identified as an appropriate option due to the high number of homeless people in the vicinity. This site proved most appropriate to provide sufficient internal and external space in a more suitable arrangement to remodel as a shelter, all within close proximity to the city centre.

The shelter will offer various services, like therapeutic interventions, medical assistance, skills development, and where possible, reunification services.

The public comment process on the proposed site ran from 14 June to 14 July 2023. 28 submissions in support and against the development were made. Objections were based on the following concerns:

• Negative impact on the safety of residents.
• Negative impact on the safety of school-going children.
• Concerns on the possible degradation of the area, leading to property values falling.
• The shelter will “create a concentration of homeless people in the area due to other homeless shelters already in District Six, impacting cleanliness, aesthetics, and safety.”
• The Tafelberg site should be used for recreational purposes for the youth and community.
• The Tafelberg site has heritage value.
• Homeless people are being prioritized over the interests of District Six land claimants.
• It does not fit in with existing socio-economic uses or plans for the area.
• Disagree with the idea of a single large shelter, suggest smaller dispersed shelters.

The WCG would like to thank all those who provided input during this process. All the submissions will now be considered before a final decision is made. The rights and interests of all our residents need to be balanced and considered in ensuring that we create a caring and compassionate society.