In an assertive move to bolster safety measures at City Rental Units, the City’s Human Settlements Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Carl Pophaim has joined law enforcement agencies on the ground in Lavender Hill in a ridealong to drive awareness that teamwork can help flush out criminals and unlawful occupiers in public housing. His launch of the See Something? Say Something public housing safety campaign is a call to action. With more than 45 000 rental flats accommodating over 160 000 tenants, the City stands as one of South Africa's largest landlords.

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‘The operation in Lavender Hill marks the initial phase of our endeavour, underscoring our unwavering dedication to transforming City housing into safe, dignified, and comfortable living spaces where our tenants can live lives of value.

‘We are unequivocally closing the door on criminal activities, prioritising not only the safety of our tenants, but also that of our dedicated officials who tirelessly serve these communities daily. This campaign serves as a resolute call to action for communities to collaborate with us, facilitating the eviction of tenants engaging in illicit behaviour and ensuring that City properties do not serve as hubs for criminal enterprises.

‘Instead, we aim to facilitate access to public housing opportunities for lawful tenants on the waiting list, fostering safer, more cohesive communities across the City. We’re taking back our public housing for safer communities. The City’s teams are hard at work, but we need the help of our residents and tenants by reporting crime and unlawful occupation. By working together, we can create safer communities NOW,’ said Councillor Pophaim.

The launch of a new public housing campaign that looks at safety and also big upgrades and maintenance aims to transform rental communities as places where residents can live a safe and dignified life. This includes an investment of more than R1 billion into public housing over the forthcoming three years.

See something? Say something!

Anonymous tip-offs:

Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

 Supplied by: City of Cape Town

Note to broadcasters: an audio clip is available for download: https://bit.ly/4amH31N