By Rachel Mohamed
On Monday morning, protesters from the Gate 7 community blocked several major roads on Voortrekker Road near Maitland Cemetery in Cape Town, demanding improved delivery of basic services, including water, toilets, and electricity. The demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Ward 56 Councillor Chesyln Steenberg told VOC News that the Gate 7 community has been occupying private land owned by the Ndabeni Trust.
“This issue has resurfaced in the ward. I inherited this settlement adjacent to the refugee tent when I became a councillor in 2023. Today marks the third protest I’ve faced since taking office, and we are continuously dealing with the same problem, while the Ndabeni Trust has not been able to provide a solution. Unfortunately, this situation disrupts the lives of thousands of residents in my ward,” Steenberg explained.
He added that ongoing efforts are being made to resolve the matter. “I accepted a memorandum this morning and committed to escalating it to both the city and the landowner. However, there is little I can do as a ward councillor; ultimately, it is the landowner’s responsibility to address this issue.”
Listen to the full interview:
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
