Claims of ‘spying’ on NGOs orchestrating land invasions are nonsense

01 October 2020

Statement by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato

The allegation that the City is spying on NGOs which are orchestrating land invasions in Cape Town and surrounds is both laughable and predictable. Those with guilty consciences usually try to deflect attention from their own misdeeds.

I can assure you that the City is not engaging in any spying tactics, this suggestion speaks more to the mind-set of the accuser rather than the accused.

The City is engaged in legal action in an effort to uphold the rule of law and protect property in the City. In the course of any legal process, information is gathered about the opposing parties to respond to court papers and prepare a defence.

All information available to the City is from public sources and freely available to anyone taking the time to look for it.

The City stands by its information and comments made to the portfolio committee on human settlements. In fact, the groups making these allegations staged highly publicised land invasions of CBD properties ear-marked for affordable housing and social upliftment. The facts of their pro land invasions stance are public and for all to see.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office