Western Cape Government Calls for Calm Following Siqalo/Mitchell’s Plain Protest

A delegation of the Western Cape Government led by Premier Helen Zille, Human Settlements Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela, Community Safety Minister Dan Plato, Social Development Minister Albert Fritz and other leaders met with various stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and urged residents to remain calm following a violent protest which erupted on Tuesday.

The delegation presented to leaders representing both communities plans to benefit Siqalo informal settlement following their demands of the provision of services in the informal area.

A meeting to present long-term solutions for Isiqalo informal settlements is planned for Saturday 5 May where the provincial Department of Human Settlements together with the City of Cape Town will engage residents.

The Department of Human Settlements plans to accommodate Siqalo informal settlement in the Southern Corridor Catalytic Project which will create over 51 000 housing opportunities. Development plans are already in place and the department is awaiting approvals from the City of Cape Town.

We urge both communities to remain calm.  The government cannot condone lawlessness.

Voice notes and photographs are available on request.