‘Co-housing’ can help

I AM gutted to learn about the murder of DA councillor Xolile Gwangxu. This vile and cowardly attack is an attack on our democracy, no less. His untimely and senseless death will leave a void in the council and his family and friends devastated.

Better security and more effective law enforcement will not end the killing of councillors, nor that of police officers. This is widespread in South Africa. It is essential for cultural values and traditions to manifest themselves strongly and pervasively.

When the bonds of culture loosen and community cohesion weakens, brazen individuals feel free to act as destructively and monstrously as they please.

Many communities are at the mercy of wanton and cruel criminals. The gun rules in many parts of Cape Town. The Wild West is on our doorstep.

If I had my way, I would have vigorously promoted the creation of “co-housing” developments. The idea – which was first mooted in Denmark and then spread to the US, UK and elsewhere – encourages strong community assertiveness and community-powered security.

In the UK, groups are arguing for co-housing development to be made easier because they realise its inherent values. Unless communities become the central players in their own development and security management, and until cultural norms and practices are made strong and prevalent, life will be held cheap in many parts of our city.

I am really shocked that a councillor in Cape Town could have had his life cut short while attending to his duties. We owe it to him to do something that will alter the situation for the better for ever. Farouk Cassim Century View