291 Problem building cases in CPT: 'We're addressing symptoms without tackling the root cause'

Africa Melane interviews, Deon van Zyl, Chair of Western Cape Property Development Forum.

Listen below.

The City of Cape Town reports that its Problem Building Unit currently has 291 active cases at various stages of investigation and legal proceedings against 55 property owners.

This specialised law enforcement team, consisting of 13 members, resolved 425 cases in the past financial year (from July 2023 to June 2024), a significant increase from the 207 cases closed in the previous year.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has called for reforms to national legislation to expedite the eviction process.

However, there is ongoing debate about the need for evictions and their impact on vulnerable communities.

Van Zyl highlights that the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to affordable and adequate housing, but this promise remains unfulfilled for many South Africans.

He emphasises that before considering evictions, attention should first be directed toward the landlords and their failure to maintain their properties.

Van Zyl questions the responsibilities of municipalities in monitoring rates and utility payments to anticipate and address potential issues with buildings before they become problematic.

"We're sitting with a difficult situation – trying to deal with a symptomatic problem without looking at the root cause."

- Deon van Zyl, Chair – Western Cape Property Development Forum

Van Zyl argues that the problem lies not with the legislation itself, but with its implementation.

He expresses concern that when faced with such issues, the immediate response is often to create new legislation rather than seeking solutions and addressing the root causes.

"Laws don't solve the problem, people solve the problem."

- Deon van Zyl, Chair – Western Cape Property Development Forum

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