City calls on residents to comment on draft plan for Masiphumelele’s future

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

The LSDF proposes a development vision to address 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 mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, told the Echo the plan sought to create a neighbourhood that is better integrated with surrounding areas.

“The draft spatial vision for the Masiphumelele area pursues a neighbourhood that is well integrated with the surrounding area so that residents can have easy access to jobs and other opportunities, have more choices when it comes to residential opportunities, and for Masiphumelele to contribute to the local economy,” he said.

Mr Andrews explained that the LSDF acknowledges one of the key challenges is the illegal encroachment on the wetlands, which puts lives at risk and damages the natural environment.

The City owns only a quarter of the land in Masiphumelele, much of which is wetlands, parks or earmarked for schools, while private land in the area is costly, he said.

“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, Mr 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.

However, he cautioned that unplanned activities and uncertainty around development often delayed project planning.

He stressed the need for what he called a “community social compact” to provide certainty and allow projects to move forward.

“A key requirement is the support and buy-in of all communities into a shared future vision and desired end-state development outcome,” he said.

Since 2017, the City has been engaging with residents of Masiphumelele and surrounding communities on a draft spatial vision.

Mr Andrews said residents would continue to be involved, not only through commenting on the LSDF and attending the upcoming information day, but also through the required public processes attached to key projects.

“The LSDF itself, once approved, and other City policies such as the Southern District Spatial Development Framework are subject to regular review, which again will involve public participation."

The draft LSDF identifies several pressing challenges: a future housing need of more than 10 000 units, fire and flood risks due to density and informal structures, solid waste and wastewater pollution in the wetlands, congestion and limited access roads, and high unemployment.

At the same time, it points to opportunities such as Masiphumelele’s proximity to industrial areas, the potential of its informal economy, and the possibility of improved access through the extension of Houmoed Avenue and upgrades to Kommetjie Road.

Mr Andrews said the plan also sought to improve residents’ quality of life by providing new housing opportunities, better access to essential services, and safer transport links.

“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,” he added.

The draft LSDF is open for public comment until Tuesday, 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.

“I encourage residents to please attend, and collaborate with the City on refining the LSDF as once approved by Council, this will be the spatial policy to map the way forward,” said Mr Andrews.

“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.