WATCH: Controversy brews over Rondebosch East development plan

The Mayoral Committee recently approved plans to reshape the area located on Kromboom Road, with the proposal now heading to the Council for further approval, a step that seems inevitable given the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) outright majority.

According to Rashard Davids, Chairperson of the Civic Association of Rondebosch East (CARE), the city's portrayal of community support for the project is fundamentally misleading. "I can only describe this media release as an abomination of the truth," Davids stated firmly during an interview (scroll down to listen), referring to communications from Mayco Member Carl Popham. "The community of Rondebosch East has never given what he called 'positive and constructive input' into the development."

The City's plan envisions transforming the vacant land into a mixed-use development featuring retail spaces and residential units at various price points, along with upgraded transport facilities and community-friendly green spaces. Officials claim this will provide affordable housing opportunities in a well-located urban hub while boosting diversity and safety.

However, CARE, which represents 530 residents, has significant objections. Davids argues that the development perpetuates what he calls ‘planning apartheid by another name’, pointing out that densification consistently targets previously disadvantaged areas while wealthy neighbourhoods remain low-density. Of particular concern is that part of the proposed development site is reportedly on a ‘critical biodiversity area’ that should be protected.

The conflict extends beyond the development itself to the process. Davids contends that the city's ‘open days’ are being misrepresented as proper public participation. "An open day is what it is called; it's just an open day. It is not a statutory process," he explained, adding that despite promises, Popham has failed to meet with residents or engage in meaningful consultation as required by municipal asset transfer regulations and the South African Constitution.

The City plans to invite developers to bid on purchasing, developing, and managing the property, with proposals for approximately 800 housing units, a taxi rank and a business complex along Kromboom Road. An additional development on Smuts Avenue would add another 300 units, bringing the total to around 1,100 new residences in the area.

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions in Cape Town's urban development landscape, where questions of spatial justice, community consultation, and environmental protection intersect.
“Let us debate it. I'm prepared to debate it with Carl Popham. No problem,” says Davids.

For those interested in learning more about this story, watch below: