Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis led a service blitz tour in Mitchell’s Plain, aiming to bring city services directly to residents. The initiative is part of a monthly effort to consolidate services in a single location, making them more accessible.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis led a service blitz tour in Mitchell’s Plain, aiming to bring city services directly to residents. The initiative is part of a monthly effort to consolidate services in a single location, making them more accessible.
The tour began at Parkhurst Primary School, where the mayor emphasised the importance of keeping the City clean. He highlighted illegal dumping as a national issue, stressing the need to change public attitudes and maintain consistency in clean-up efforts.
Next, the mayor visited key sites, including Strandfontein, Mnandi swimming pools, and Bethel Camp Site. The tour’s main event was at the Lentegeur Civic Centre, where residents could access various services such as rebate registrations, indigent relief applications, and title deed transfers.
The tour began at Parkhurst Primary School, where the mayor emphasized the importance of keeping Cape Town clean. He highlighted illegal dumping as a national issue, stressing the need to change public attitudes and maintain consistency in cleanup efforts.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Acknowledging the high crime rates in Lentegeur, stabilisation units had been deployed where possible, he said on Thursday March 20.
The mayor linked social issues, including crime, unemployment, and gangsterism, to the country’s stagnant economy.
“South Africa hasn’t had economic growth in 15 years. That’s the root cause of most social problems. We need a thriving economy so people can find jobs and avoid turning to crime or substance abuse,” he said.
The mayor of Cape Town with staff of Mnandi Swimming pools. He did a site visit with them on Thursday March 20.
Image: Supplied
He added that fixing the prosecution system would have the most long-term impact on crime prevention.
Regarding ongoing roadworks, the mayor acknowledged residents’ frustrations over traffic congestion. However, he urged patience, stating that the upgrades would lead to long-term benefits.
“This investment will significantly improve transport. Once completed, people will save money using buses instead of taxis and reduce their commuting time,” he said. The construction is expected to continue through 2026, followed by the roll-out of new transport services.
During the visit, the mayor met with community leaders, including Norman Jantjes, chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association (MURA). Mr Jantjes described their meeting as productive, with discussions covering planned housing projects in Colorado Park and New Woodlands, the Jakes Gerwel Drive upgrade, and PRASA's relocation process to the Philippi Wedge near Siqalo.
During the visit, the mayor met with community leaders at RLabs on Thursday March 20 to discuss the planned housing projects in Colorado Park and New Woodlands, the Jakes Gerwel Drive upgrade, and PRASA's relocation process to the Philippi Wedge near Siqalo.
Image: Supplied
Other topics included on-going gang violence and the bridge connecting Colorado Park and Samora Machel. The City plans to install high-mast fencing at Weltevreden Bridge to improve safety. Additionally, officials will assess the feasibility of fencing Skilpadbessie Park in Lentegeur.
Mr Jantjes added that MURA would push for the re-establishment of a stakeholder forum to ensure ongoing communication between the City and the community.