City responds to concerns around ‘Gate 6’ settlement in Mamre

09 March 2020

Statement by Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato

Earlier this month, it was brought to my attention that there have been a number of health and safety related concerns regarding the residents and their living conditions at the Gate 6 settlement in Mamre.

The City immediately put together a team, which included health officials, city law enforcement and social development officers, to inspect the site. The site owner made no objection to the City’s request to conduct the investigation.

Concerns were raised regarding the living conditions at the settlement, where residents are charged a fee by a local NPO to reside on the premises. Other concerns raised also included children not attending school, poor hygiene standards regarding food management, alleged drug abuse and lack of suitable ablution facilities.

The team of city staff carried out an onsite inspection and identified a number of health and safety risks and has advised the property’s manager to urgently address these matters. The property manager was present during the site inspection at all times. Failure to comply with the City’s recommendations will result in remedial action being taken to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.

I have noted attempts to misrepresent this serious situation and spread fake news for political gain. I find it disgraceful that anyone would seek to take advantage of the serious health and safety concerns of the community living on this property for political point scoring.

Nora Grose, the Subcouncil Chairperson attended the initial site inspection and will continue to monitor the situation in order to ensure that the matters raised are addressed with urgency. The City of Cape Town will always act responsibly, decisively, and take action in the best interests of our residents.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office