Cape town: The City of Cape Town is inviting residents to provide feedback on the draft Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for Masiphumelele and its surrounding areas in the Far South. The draft LSDF is open for public comment starting 15 August 2025, and interested individuals can access the document and submit their opinions at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.
According to South African Government News Agency, the LSDF outlines a development vision and strategy to manage urban growth sustainably, addressing current issues such as the encroachment of the wetlands area, the urgent need for housing, improved access routes, lack of public open spaces, facilities provision, and local economic opportunities for residents.
The framework considers Masiphumelele's unique challenges and qualities, including its location, future growth, local economic development opportunities, and the necessity to formalize informal settlements within the wetlands area. Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, emphasized the importance of relocating informal settlements from high-risk areas and constructing a new road to enhance access from Masiphumelele. Identifying potential land parcels for diverse housing opportunities is also a priority.
Andrews stated, "The draft spatial vision for the Masiphumelele area aims to create a neighborhood well integrated with its surroundings, providing easy access to jobs and various residential opportunities, thereby contributing to the local economy. It is a broad vision, adaptable to changing circumstances and needs."
Public comments are welcomed until 21 October 2025, with an information day scheduled for 10 September from 15:00 to 19:00 at the Living Hope Hall, 7 Kommetjie Road. Andrews encouraged residents to attend, engage with officials, and collaborate on refining the LSDF as it will guide future developments once approved by the council.
Masiphumelele, established in 1992 with 500 households, now houses over 38,000 people, with 90% living in informal structures. The area lacks proper access routes, housing, facilities, and public open spaces.
The draft LSDF's primary objectives include guiding urban growth, improving living conditions, balancing land use demands, integrating Masiphumelele with surrounding areas through enhanced access routes, and improving access to employment and essential services.
Andrews highlighted the focus on improving environmental conditions of natural ecosystems, such as adjacent wetlands, to enhance the quality of life and economic development.
The draft LSDF identifies several challenges, including severe overcrowding, high densities, a backlog in social facilities, limited developable land, fire risks, flood-prone structures, informal settlements encroaching on wetlands, high unemployment, congestion, and limited public transport. However, it also recognizes development opportunities, such as proximity to industrial areas, potential expansion of the informal economy, and improved access with the extension of Houmoed Avenue and Kommetjie Road.
Andrews urged residents to engage in this process, stating, "This plan belongs to the residents and will determine Masiphumelele's future development, the form and shape it will take, and residents' quality of living. The spatial vision will also impact surrounding communities, and we are eager to collaborate with everyone involved."