Cape ‘peace garden’ in tug-of-war

City of Cape Town sells plot after a local women’s group converts the trash site that was there into a beautiful area.

Agroup of women from Bonteheuwel are fighting to save a plot of land which they’ve transformed into a community garden. The land, previously a dumping ground, is now being auctioned off by the City of Cape Town.

It is one of two “peace gardens” planted by an activist group, the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies.

The women sent an open letter to the city requesting the land either be handed over to the community or sold to the Anglican Church, which has been trying to purchase it since 1994.

“The land had been a dump for many, many years and just months after the community turned it into a place of safety, it is being sold. I’m sure you can understand how extremely hurt and disappointed the community feels by this unfortunate turn of events,” the letter read.

Soraya Salie, founder of the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, says the residents were not notified about the sale, so couldn’t object to it being auctioned. The community only became aware when an auction sign appeared outside the garden.

“When we spoke to the councillor, he said there was an advertisement in Die Burger about the auction. We don’t read Die Burger.”

When asked whether the community had been consulted, ward councillor Angus McKenzie said there was a “complete public participation process” but “no objections were received”.

He denied claims that the land was being auctioned because it had been turned into a garden and suggested that community members bid for the land.

“I would strongly encourage all individuals to participate in this process.”

The women attended the auction in Mouille Point this week and after being told they couldn’t picket on private property, they entered to observe the proceedings.

A few minutes after the auction began, it was disrupted by members of Reclaim the City. But this was after the Bonteheuwel plot had been sold for R100 000.

The auction was discontinued, but it was unclear whether the Bonteheuwel plot would still be sold to the bidder.

When asked about the sale, ClareMart general executive director Andrew Koch said it was likely the city would decline the sale following the disruption.

He said in an email: “Those with issues relating to the council’s decision regarding property sales should take that up with the city, who have proper processes … for this very purpose.”

Belgravia resident Muneeba Edwards said the sale of the land was “heartbreaking”.

“Something that was considered garbage by other people has been turned into something beautiful, and now they want to take it away,” she said.

– Republished from Groundup.org.za