Have your say: City calls on residents to comment on draft plan for Masiphumelele’s future

The City is urging residents to comment on the draft Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for Masiphumelele and its surrounding areas in the Far South.

This framework outlines a development vision aimed at tackling pressing issues related to housing needs, environmental protection, and infrastructure challenges.

Masiphumelele was established in 1992 with around 500 households, but today it is home to more than 38 000 people, with 90% of residents living in informal structures.

The area faces severe overcrowding, limited access routes, a shortage of public facilities, and growing pressure on the adjacent wetlands.

The draft LSDF aims to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability, setting out proposals to relocate informal settlements out of high-risk areas, provide alternative land parcels for housing, and build a new road to ease access to and from Masiphumelele.

It also highlights the need for open spaces, improved public transport, and opportunities for local economic development.

The City’s mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the plan sought to create a neighbourhood that is better integrated with surrounding areas.

“The draft LSDF is making the point that alternative land parcels in close proximity to Masiphumelele need to be identified where a wider range of housing opportunities can be developed so that those living in Masiphumelele have more choices when it comes to dignified and safe housing,” he said.

The draft framework also sets out how the Masiphumelele wetlands interface should be managed and stresses the importance of identifying suitable land for housing.

On the question of funding, Andrews said most of the proposals were already linked to City projects and funding streams.

“If approved, they will in due course be funded through the appropriate existing funding streams,” he said.

The draft LSDF is open for public comment until October 21.

An information day will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 3pm to 7pm at the Living Hope Hall, 7 Kommetjie Road, where residents can view the proposals, engage with officials, and ask questions.

“Ultimately, this plan belongs to the residents and will, once approved, determine Masiphumelele’s future development, the form and shape it will take, and residents’ quality of living.”

Residents can access the draft LSDF and submit comments at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.

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