Strandfontein residents demand halt to land sale

Baronise Henry, Strandfontein

I hereby submit a formal complaint and objection to the proposed auction and sale of vacant land, Erf 1955 in Strandfontein, scheduled for Monday, February 26. This submission is made in the interest of transparent governance, meaningful public participation, and the long-term socio-economic development of the Strandfontein community.

The Strandfontein community has not been adequately or effectively engaged regarding the proposed sale of this land. There has been no meaningful consultation or inclusive engagement that reflects the needs and lived realities of residents who will be directly affected by the alienation of this state-owned property.

The absence of genuine public participation undermines the principles of accountability, transparency, cooperative governance, and community-centred development. Decisions of this magnitude should not be taken without the informed participation of affected residents and ratepayers.

The community strongly objects to the sale of Erf 1955. This land represents one of the last remaining opportunities for public-benefit development in Strandfontein. Once sold, the ability to address long-standing community challenges will be permanently lost. The proposed auction disregards the urgent needs of a community already deprived of essential services and infrastructure.

Strandfontein remains in need of facilities such as a community centre, spaces for homeless and displaced residents, a municipal or rates office, and recreational facilities to support youth development, crime prevention and social cohesion. Erf 1955 is well located to meet these needs and should be retained for community-oriented development rather than commercial disposal.

The proposed sale reflects a disconnect between the City’s stated developmental goals and the lived reality of residents. Repeated attempts by the community to engage the City have yielded no tangible outcomes, further eroding trust.

We therefore formally request that the City halt the auction, initiate a meaningful public participation process, assess community needs, provide written reasons for the proposed sale, and commit to ongoing engagement regarding the future use of this land.

• The City's mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos responds:

The City takes the objections to the proposed sale/auction of Erf 1955 in Strandfontein seriously and values public input as an essential component of sound governance and decision-making. In this regard, it is important to clarify matters raised in your submission.

The City followed the process mandated in terms of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (MATR) to obtain approval for the disposal of the property before it was listed for auction.

Notice of the proposal was duly advertised and circulated in accordance with applicable requirements, and affected communities were allowed to submit comments and objections within the stipulated timeframes. These processes are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, and the City stands by the integrity and credibility of its administrative procedures.

Dormant properties do not generate employment, stimulate local economies, or contribute meaningfully to long-term community upliftment. Prolonged non-use of public land can exacerbate underinvestment and missed opportunities. Leaving land idle does not, in itself, create social, economic, or developmental value.

The auction is intended to encourage responsible development of this well-located land, support job creation, encourage investment, broaden the rates base, and contribute to sustainable local economic activity. All comments and objections submitted were carefully considered before the auction was finalised.

MATR in-principle approval was granted by Council on October 21, 2021, Resolution C24/12/21. The proposed disposal remains aligned with policy, due process, and promoting responsible development for the broader benefit of the community.