Key Points:
- The City of Cape Town moves to prosecute illegal developments in Maitland.
- Residents protest to preserve the community’s heritage and safety.
- Calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and improved infrastructure.
Background of the Protest
Illegal developments in Maitland have drawn the attention of the City of Cape Town, prompting the local government to refer several bylaw violations for criminal prosecution.
This follows a recent placard protest organized by the Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association outside a new multi-story development on Janssens Road. The association, led by chairperson Faiek Fredericks, is working to protect the community’s interests, preserve its residential character, and safeguard its historical heritage.
City’s Response to the Concerns
Fredericks emphasized concerns over illegal building activities and zoning violations, compounded by a lack of enforcement and accountability. City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed the City was aware of the association’s concerns. Tyhalibongo explained that the City served a notice to the developer on February 21, 2025, and officially signed it on March 3. Although work briefly halted, it resumed soon after, with the only activity being the installation of windows. No one has submitted plans for construction at 1 Janssens Road, and although the developer submitted a plan for 3 Janssens Road, the City has not approved it. As a result, the authorities have referred the case for criminal prosecution.
Community’s Call for Legal Action
Fredericks expressed support for the City’s decision to pursue legal action and called for swift and decisive action, including the demolition of the illegal structure and prosecution of the developer according to the law. “Our investigations show the developer owns seven properties in Cape Town, and his approach could be the same elsewhere. He is creating slumlord-style dwellings. “We believe more people are involved, and we hope the courts will get to the bottom of it,” Fredericks stated.
The Impact of Continued Neglect
He also warned that continued neglect of these issues would degrade Maitland’s living conditions. Fredericks delivered a memorandum to the City, outlining key concerns and suggestions for improving community safety, enforcing building by-laws, and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement, security companies, and community safety organizations in Sub-council 3.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Densification
Fredericks also raised concerns about the City’s failure to enforce stop-work orders, arguing that it undermines the integrity of city planning. The association worries particularly about the impact on local infrastructure, especially the sewer system. “Unchecked property densification without proper infrastructure upgrades will worsen sanitation issues, which we’ve discussed with city officials. We recommend hiring additional building inspectors to improve oversight,” he said.
Calls for Broader Investigations
Cape Town Ward 56 Councillor Cheslyn Steenberg echoed these concerns, highlighting the lawlessness among developers in Maitland. Steenberg called on the City to investigate a development on Norfolk Street, adjacent to the Maitland Day Hospital. “The disregard for residents in that area is appalling. The City focuses on development but neglects necessary infrastructure upgrades. The focus should be on people, not profits,” Steenberg said.
