​

The LSDF can be described as a local neighbourhood plan, which takes into account the unique qualities of Masiphumelele, its future growth, the role that tourism can play in its economic development, and the need for formalising informal settlement areas, among others.

The draft LSDF for Masiphumelele will be available for public comment for a period of 60 days as from Thursday, 1 April 2021. Interested parties can go to www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay to access the document, and submit comments.

Masiphumelele was established in 1992 with an initial 500 households, and is now estimated to have a population of around 38 000 people with 90% of residents living in informal structures.

‘The draft spatial vision for Masiphumelele is for the neighbourhood to be well integrated with the surrounding area so that residents can have easy access to job and other opportunities; for households to have a wide range of choices when it comes to residential opportunities, and for Masiphumelele to contribute to tourism, manufacturing, and the local economy. It is a broad vision, and must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changing circumstances and needs,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

The main objectives of the draft LSDF are as follows:

• To provide a development vision to guide and manage urban growth, and broaden the choice of residential opportunities
• To improve residents’ general living conditions
• To balance competing land use demands, and to implement a sustainable development path
• To spatially integrate Masiphumelele with the surrounding areas
• To improve residents’ access to employment, local facilities and essential services

‘The local neighbourhood plan is an integral approach to improve residents’ overall living conditions. However, it is not simply a plan for providing shelter, but aims to support residents’ broader social and economic development needs, and access to essential services. It is also focusing on how to integrate and connect Masiphumelele with the surrounding suburbs through quality public transport, new road links, and pedestrian facilities. Importantly, there is a strong focus on improving the environmental conditions of the natural ecosystems such as the wetlands adjacent to Masiphumelele, and how this natural environment can enhance the quality of life and contribute to economic development,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

The draft LSDF identifies a number of challenges in Masiphumelele and seeks to address these:

• Severe overcrowding, high densities, and a growing backlog in social facilities and services provision
• Limited public land available for development – for example, the City owns about 25% of the land in Masiphumelele, most of which is wetlands, parks, or intended for schools
• Informal settlements encroaching on the wetlands, and the subsequent solid waste and waste water pollution
• High unemployment
• Congestion, little provision for informal economic sector activities
• Limited public transport services with households spending up to a third of their monthly income on commuting

However, the draft LSDF also recognises a number of development opportunities in Masiphumelele:

• Its proximity to industrial areas such as Lekker Water and Fish Eagle Park can provide residents with easy access to jobs
• A thriving informal economy could be improved and expanded
• Its proximity to unique environmental areas provides opportunities for eco-tourism, etc.
• Access can be improved with the extension of Houmoed Avenue and by increasing the capacity of Kommetjie Road
• There is a high potential for partnerships between neighbouring communities, NGOs and businesses

‘I want to encourage residents to please participate in this very important public participation process, and to submit their comments and views on the draft LSDF. Ultimately, this plan belongs to the residents. It makes many proposals about Masiphumelele’s future built environment and other spatial elements. We will take all comments into consideration when we finalise the plan and submit it to Council for approval,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

End