Laetitia St Clair, Eastridge resident
I am a resident of Mitchell’s Plain (Tip Town) speaking on behalf of many frustrated and disappointed community members.
We are deeply concerned about the decision to spend millions of rands on a new MyCiTi bus service.
Mitchell’s Plain already has a well-established public transport network, including Golden Arrow Bus services, minibus taxis, and future trains, which have served the community for decades.
We believe there is no need for a new transport system. What is urgently needed is real investment in job creation and economic opportunities for youth and unemployed residents. Mitchell’s Plain is one of Cape Town’s largest communities, yet it remains underserved when it comes to jobs and local development.
Those millions could instead be used to establish local businesses and factories, upskill and employ idle youth at risk, and address the root causes of gang violence, drugs, and poverty - unemployment and lack of opportunity.
We call on our leaders to redirect resources to meet the actual needs of our community. The proposed bus service should be paused and reviewed with meaningful community participation, and funds should be partially redirected to support local businesses and sustainable job creation.
Residents must be actively engaged in transport and economic development decisions affecting our area.
Ongoing MyCiTi roadworks have disrupted daily life, extended commute times, and increased stress, family strain, and violent crime.
These concerns are real and urgent. We trust that our concerns will be addressed seriously and look forward to a transparent response and collaborative solutions. Investment in people, not redundant transport projects, will deliver greater long-term benefit for Mitchell’s Plain.
Residents who would like to join a meeting to discuss these matters can contact her on 0720109126 or WhatsApp 081 826 0451.
• The City’s mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos, responds:
The introduction of MyCiTi buses and improved road infrastructure is helping expand economic opportunities in local communities.
About 11 400 Mitchell’s Plain residents are employed in business process outsourcing (BPO) companies through City programmes offering skills training, workforce development, and business facilitation. Similar support is provided in clothing production, technology training, and SMME development through the Business Hub.
In the informal sector, the Economic Growth Directorate is creating a trading area next to Watergate Shopping Centre for up to 25 local traders, generating additional employment. The nearby MyCiTi bus stop will ensure commuter access, boosting trade and economic activity.
Public participation was conducted during the trading area development, with the majority supporting it. The City is working with formal businesses, including Watergate Mall management, to ensure informal trading complements existing business opportunities and contributes to sustainable local economic growth.