Civil society appeals to WC Premier Alan Winde to declare state of disaster in Cape Flats

The Cape Crisis Coalition is appealing to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde to declare a Provincial State of Disaster over gang violence in the Cape Flats.

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MacMaster, the group's chairperson, emphasised that the crisis is not only about numbers, but the devastating impact on communities, disrupting daily life and affecting service delivery.

He said the coalition first wrote to the Premier in November 2025 and followed up soon after, requesting a meeting, but no response has been received.

“We want to bring something new in terms of this discussion and narrative about the Cape Flat and the responses from the state.”

MacMaster highlights the inconsistency in how the government has responded to different types of disasters, declaring states of emergency for natural events like fires and floods, but not for gang violence.

He said it's not only a policing issue, but a humanitarian emergency that requires a comprehensive approach.

“When we look at it, there is a painful inconsistency because for communities in the Cape Flats, violence is not just episodic, it is continuous, deadly and destabilising,” he says.

The coalition believes that declaring a state of disaster would unlock emergency funding, procurement, and a coordinated command framework, enabling a more effective response to the crisis.

The crisis requires a partnership between government, civil society, and the community to find lasting solutions to this complex issue.

“Everyone is sick and tired of the politicking about this issue. We say we want to be a partner in finding lasting solutions.”

To listen to MacMaster in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: