Babalo Mbulwana
For years residents of Witsand have lived in darkness, their streets without lights and their appeals unanswered.
On 4 September Premier Alan Winde, joined by provincial ministers and City of Cape Town representatives, attended an Open Government Session in Atlantis. Residents told him they were tired of delays and wanted interventions without further postponement.
Just days earlier, on 29 August, the community staged a walkabout to draw attention to the absence of street lighting and broader service delivery failures. Memorandums were handed to local officials as far back as 2018 and again earlier this year. Residents say little has changed and that the lack of lighting continues to compromise safety.
Community leaders said young people were being denied opportunities because of neglect and underinvestment in the township. Others warned that residents were running out of patience after repeated promises from officials.
Winde acknowledged the depth of frustration in Witsand and said his administration would work to resolve the concerns within agreed timeframes.
A follow-up meeting scheduled for 9 September at Subcouncil 1 is expected to determine the next steps. Until then, residents say, their community remains in the dark.