Statement by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille
Temporary agreement reached between City and Lansdowne
soup kitchen
In light of recent media reports related to Begbie’s soup kitchen, I have
personally investigated the situation with a view to amicably resolving this
matter. As a caring city, we are highly appreciative of the very good work
that the soup kitchen is doing to assist vulnerable residents.
The City of Cape Town has previously engaged with the operators of the
soup kitchen in an effort to make sure that it complies with relevant land use
regulations and the relevant zoning scheme. These regulations apply to all
organisations and individuals, no matter how worthy the cause. Regrettably,
a solution at that time was not found and the matter ended up before the
courts.
Happily, the City has now agreed to a temporary solution with the operators,
Reverend and Mrs Begbie. This agreement will still see food being prepared
at the currently facility, but the distribution moved to an alternative venue by
1 July 2014. This will for the time being deal with the legal issues at hand. Both
parties have until September to confirm compliance with this arrangement.
I will also in this period meet with Reverend and Mrs Begbie to try and assist
with them with resolving any outstanding issues. Once all of the land use
issues have been resolved, I will on behalf of the City make a donation
towards the continued operation of the soup kitchen.