Racism complaint over opposition to Tafelberg project

THE deputy chairperson of the Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association has come under fire for his “racist” remarks over the development of the former Tafelberg school site.

David Polovin allegedly said development of affordable housing for the poor on the Tafelberg site was not in the interests of the Sea Point community.

Sea Point residents Thandeka Sisusa and Emma Daitz have lodged a racism complaint with mayor Patricia de Lille’s Inclusive City desk.

In their complaint – supported by Reclaim the City and activist Zackie Achmat – to De Lille, Sisusa and Daitz said racism took many forms.

“Such a logic continues to structure our city from its geography through to the minutes of daily life. Black and workingclass Sea Point residents have, through their involvement with the Reclaim the City campaign, made it clear that they see affordable housing development as very much in their interests,” it reads.

Daitz said they have spoken to a number of Sea Point residents who were not opposed to low-cost housing in the area. “He is only consulting certain Sea Pointers, and those are predominantly white. It’s quite subtle racism, but it’s racism.”

Sisusa said she had experienced “that tough life of racism” since living in Sea Point more than 20 years ago.

De Lille’s spokesperson, Pierrinne Leukes, said the City would study the complaint and then take the necessary action.

Polovin said Reclaim the City did not represent the interests of the people who were in need of housing and “we will not be intimidated by it”. He added that there are “far better places” in the city for low-cost housing.