Attack on City’s recreational facilities is shameful, arrest of suspects welcomed
09 July 2020
Statement by Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato
This morning I was alerted to the burning down of several structures at the City of Cape Town’s Monwabisi resort. I am however grateful that two suspects have been arrested. If they are found to be guilty, I trust that they will face the full might of the law. I also want to call on residents to please report anyone else suspected of being involved in this arson – they can make the report anonymously.
The reasons for the protest remain unclear at this stage, but it cannot justify the destruction of public property in the manner that we have witnessed this morning.
Information received thus far indicates that the protest started at 05:00 this morning along Baden Powell Drive. At 08:30, a report was received of a building alight at the Monwabisi resort.
It appears as though at least two arrests have been made – the City’s enforcement services will liaise with the South African Police Service for confirmation.
This is not the first time that this resort is targeted in this manner, and it really is shameful that public funding will now have to be diverted from other crucial projects to fix the damage.
There is simply no valid reason to destroy a beautiful recreational facility that has for years been used by the residents of Khayelitsha and surrounds.
Families who throughout the year enjoy this space and all its amenities, including a swimming pool, picnic spots and braai facilities, will no longer be able to enjoy these spaces.
During summer the facility is often filled to capacity, with the many picnic and braai sites set out on terraced lawns while an enormous tidal pool and smaller paddling pools provide safe spaces for children and parents to swim.
In the 2019/20 financial year, approximately R2 million was spent upgrading and painting the facility in preparation for the festive season, when the resort sees up to 1 000 visitors daily during its peak. The 26 accommodation units also attract bookings from tourists from all over the country, who secure their holidays months in advance, at a resort that is reputable for being both affordable and efficiently run.
It is unfortunate that Monwabisi Resort has become a target for community protests. Not too long ago, a vehicle was burnt down at the resort. Although the resort is currently closed, these actions put in danger security personnel and contractor staff who are on site throughout the year, completing repairs and maintenance.
The accommodation park with camping sites and chalets, next to the day resort will no longer be available to our residents and those involved in burning this facility should be ashamed of their actions.
If any residents know who was involved, please send an anonymous tip-off so that we can investigate without delay.
These anonymous tips can be relayed via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
