Residents in Langa and Khayelitsha
CCN Reporter – George C April
Cape Town:- The Public Protector has delivered a damning report accusing the City of Cape Town of maladministration and failing to provide basic municipal services to residents of Langa Flats and parts of Khayelitsha.
In a report released on Tuesday, Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka found that the City violated residents’ constitutional rights through years of inadequate housing, water supply, sanitation, electricity, waste management, and public infrastructure. The four-year systemic investigation was triggered by community complaints during outreach visits in 2022 and 2023.
The findings describe a pattern of service delivery failures at the N2 Gateway project and surrounding areas, resulting in “improper prejudice” to residents.
City’s response The City of Cape Town has acknowledged the report but says many of the issues raised have since been addressed. A spokesperson noted that progress has been made in the years since the original complaints were lodged.
Broader Cape Flats impact While the report focuses specifically on Langa and Khayelitsha, community activists argue these problems reflect wider service delivery challenges across the Cape Flats – areas already struggling with overcrowding, unemployment, and high levels of gang-related violence.
Online reactions: The report has drawn sharp comments online:
- One user posted: “Public Protector exposes what we’ve known for years – the DA City talks a good game but leaves Black and Coloured communities in the dust. How many more reports do we need?”
- Another commented: “Four years for a report? Meanwhile people are still living without toilets and proper houses. This is exactly why trust in government is dead.”
The Public Protector has directed the City to fix the identified shortcomings, finalise outstanding leases, and submit progress reports within 60 days.
