Speech by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, at
the handover of certificates of tenure in Monwabisi Park
on 20 February 2014
Chair of Subcouncil 24, Councillor Xolani Sotashe
Ward Councillor Anele Gabuza
Ward Councillor Maria Weavers
Representatives of the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading
programme
City officials
Community leaders
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning, goeie dag, molweni, as-salaam alaikum.
I am very pleased to be here in Monwabisi Park on this important
occasion.
The City of Cape Town has been working hard over the last four years to
ensure, in partnership with the community of Monwabisi Park, that we
systematically upgrade the area.
As in any such process, there have been ups and downs and
disagreements at times – but throughout there has been a clear
determination that the quality of life for members of this community is
improved.
The redevelopment of Monwabisi Park has been based on the
development of Community Action Plan (CAP) which has been negotiated
with the relevant community leadership.
Using the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU)
methodology, baselines have been set, integrated planning developed,
and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms put in place.
As a result of these processes, a number of improvements have been
made, most notably the following:
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With the assistance of ESKOM the area has been electrified
A neighbourhood centre has been developed
A kick-about field has been developed
The installation of new traffic lights and pedestrian crossing
Support for Early Childhood Development programmes
A range of training interventions such as anti-gender-based violence
projects, youth programmes, and initiatives focusing on developing
leadership skills
Arguably the most important achievement to date has been the
completion of the enumeration process. This is an essential element which
will help to unlock the further development of the area.
This enumeration process is the largest the City has ever undertaken with
6 470 households, or 25 000 people involved. The enumeration process is
absolutely critical as it enables the City and its partners to have an up-todate, accurate and locally accepted list of who currently lives in the area
and under which conditions.
It allows for the compilation of strategic information which informs
planning, decision-making, land use management, service delivery and
tenure security.
In addition, the full geo-location of all dwellings gives people an address,
which in turn allows for tenure certificates to be issued.
Finally, the enumeration process allows for a detailed spatial
reconfiguration plan to be developed that will in turn lead to further
upgrades. This reconfiguration plan has been drafted and is awaiting
approval.
Today, we are here to mark a particular milestone: the issuing of tenure
certificates.
These certificates provide the assurance to each household in Monwabisi
Park that they are an acknowledged part of the upgrading of the area and
that the City acknowledges that Monwabisi Park residents are authorised
to reside on City-owned land.
They will also assist residents in accessing other opportunities, as these
certificates can be used as a proof of residence and as an address –
opening the door to financial and other opportunities.
It is, however, important to acknowledge that at this stage in the
redevelopment process we cannot provide the final location of each
individual household, as provision will have to be made for roadways, an
upgraded Mew Way, and improved public facilities.
The tenure certificate ensures that you are included in the formal planning
of these elements.
The City will sign about 6 500 tenure certificates with residents who are
on the community register.
I would also hope that you as community leaders assist us with ensuring
that we continue with this systematic approach to upgrading Monwabisi
Park, so that the redevelopment can cater for the current needs of the
community and not be potentially jeopardised by an unmanaged growth
of the area.
The provision of tenure certificates can also been seen against the
backdrop of the City’s commitment to historical redress, where the City
transfers title and tenure to qualifying beneficiaries.
The City, in a separate project, has already handed over 3 308 title deeds
related to historical housing projects and 404 title deeds to Council rental
stock to home buyers.
Today, then, marks an important milestone in the journey we are walking
together.
Despite difficulties at times, the processes unfolding in Monwabisi Park
are an example of what can be achieved through collaboration,
partnership and shared responsibility.
We are together, making progress possible in this important part of the
city.
Before we hand over certificates of tenure, I would like to acknowledge
the efforts of the following people who have played an essential role in
ensuring that we have reached this point.
The following community volunteers have displayed incredible dedication
to the process of bringing tenure to the people of Monwabisi Park, and I
would like to thank them personally:
Neziswa Jonas
Nandipha Mlambo
Stella Tom
Noncini Mfati
Tempele Machili
Nonzukiso Batyi
Joyce Van Rooyen
Nandipha Nqandolo
These eight people have worked under the guidance of the VPUU team,
from whom I would like to acknowledge:
Senza Kula (Monitoring and Evaluation)
Iris Taani (Knowledge Management)
Zandile Mahlasela (Community Facilitator)
Kathryn Ewing (Planning)
Finally, I would like to thank the officials from VPUU and the Human
Settlements Directorate who work in close partnership with all relevant
stakeholders.
Thank you, baie dankie, enkosi.