City Of Cape Town Municipal Failures In Firgrove

What we are facing
On the request of our residents and beneficiaries a formal meeting request was submitted on 14 April 2026, to Ms. Gqiba (Executive Director: Human Settlements) she has failed to respond or to schedule a meeting with the Firgrove Housing Action Committee. This refusal to engage constitutes a breakdown in administrative communication and a denial of our democratic right to participate in matters affecting our community.
The City promised that construction of Phase 2 of the housing project would commence in early 2026. Residents have now been informed that this phase is delayed until 2027. This unjustified delay perpetuates the dire situation of families currently living in overcrowded, unhealthy, and unsafe conditions. The extended wait is causing immense hardship and psychological distress to the affected families.

The City’s implementing agent, MZI Development Services, is not adhering to the national Housing Code or the City’s own allocation criteria. We have evidence that non-qualifying applicants are receiving houses, while legitimate residents, many of whom have been on the housing waiting list for over 30 years remain excluded. This process lacks integrity and fairness.

Residents of Firgrove have been systematically excluded from economic participation and job opportunities on developments taking place on government land and sold of government land in Firgrove and the surrounding areas. This includes projects by PRASA, BALWIN, TSOGO SUN and others. This exclusion entrenches poverty and denies local skills and labour a chance to benefit from the developments occurring in their own backyard.
What we are asking of you:
In light of the above grievances. We are asking for fairness, transparency, and action.
First: A community meeting with yourself the Executive Mayor in Firgrove within 10 (ten) days of the closing date of this petition. This meeting must address the grievances listed above and provide a platform for residents to engage directly with you the political head of our municipality.
Second: An urgent meeting with the Executive Mayor specifically to address the economic exclusion of our people from the PRASA, TSOGO SUN (Somerset West Casino) and private developments in and around Firgrove. This meeting must result in a concrete plan to ensure local labour and SMME participation.
Third: An immediate, independent investigation into the beneficiary selection process used by MZI Development Services. As no Firgrove applicant has received or been shortlisted to receive a RDP / BNG (Breaking New Ground) house, this process must be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Fourth: A binding and revised schedule for the commencement of Phase 2 construction. This schedule must be made public and include clear milestones communicated to the affected parties. No further delays will be tolerated.
Finally, we demand full transparency. Publish the allocation criteria and the complete list of beneficiaries so that the community can see for themselves that the process is clean and honest. We have a right to know.
We are ready to work with you, Mayor, but we refuse to be silenced or sidelined any longer. The people of Firgrove have waited decades for dignity. We cannot wait another year for a meeting or another thirty years for our dignity to be restored.