Khayelitsha Development Forum elects new leadership to tackle crime and unemployment
The newly elected Khayelitsha Development Forum leadership team unveiled after the organisation’s two-day elective conference.
Image: Supplied
The Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) has elected a new leadership collective and pledged renewed action against crime, unemployment, extortion and poor service delivery following a two-day elective conference held on April 25 and 26.
The newly elected executive committee will now be led by chairperson Mawande Jara, alongside deputy chairperson Mbulelo Dwane, treasurer Mphumzi Mange, secretary Eric Kweleta, first deputy secretary Xoliswa Gabuza and second deputy secretary Bubele Skweyiya.
Nine additional members are expected to be elected at a forthcoming Special Plenary Council meeting.
The conference focused heavily on the daily challenges facing residents in Khayelitsha, with crime, gang violence, unemployment, extortion, housing pressures and service delivery failures dominating discussions.
The report said delegates stressed that tackling extortion and improving public safety were essential if Khayelitsha hoped to attract investment, create jobs and support local businesses.
Mnqasela said the weekend conference was about restoring the forum’s credibility and ensuring that community concerns were addressed through organised leadership.
"This conference was about rebuilding a platform that belongs to the people of Khayelitsha. Communities want leadership that listens, acts and puts development first," he said.
He added that economic development could not happen in an environment where businesses and contractors feared intimidation or criminal interference.
"If we are serious about jobs and growth, then issues like extortion, safety and accountability must be confronted directly," he said.
Delegates attend the Khayelitsha Development Forum elective conference, where new leadership was elected and crime, unemployment and extortion were identified as key priorities for the township.
Image: Supplied
Like many communities across the Western Cape and beyond, concerns around extortion linked to construction projects, informal trading and small business operations have increasingly become part of local discussions around economic development, as shown in the report.
Delegates at the conference reportedly agreed that no meaningful investment could take place unless the township was seen as safe, stable and open for business.
Community members, who attended said they welcomed the focus on practical issues rather than internal politics.
"The biggest issues were safety and security, extortion, unemployment, and service delivery. These are the everyday challenges our people face," said Simphiwe Coko.
"The discussion about extortion was especially significant because it directly harms economic activity and discourages investment."
Coko added that residents wanted visible change rather than promises.
"I expect action, unity, and consistency. The election of new leadership brings renewed hope, and now we need to focus on delivering results," he said.
The KDF also adopted a series of organisational reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability. These include formally recognising sectoral forums, establishing a Human Settlements Sector and aligning ward development structures with current municipal demarcations.
The report said these changes were intended to reduce fragmentation, strengthen coordination and improve service delivery outcomes across Khayelitsha.
Among the organisations represented at the conference were youth development groups, business forums, religious bodies, arts and culture formations, health and social development structures, councillors and civic organisations.
In its written report, the forum said sustainable peace and development would only be achieved through social justice, economic inclusion and improved safety.