A protest at Sir Lowry’s Pass Village on Wednesday 27 July, resulting in all roads leading into the village being closed by disgruntled residents, was as a result of an uproar over “unelected” representatives of the community engaging with the City oif Cape Town.
The protest had started at around 06:15 that morning, with reports of debris and branches obstructing the intersection of Old Sir Lowry’s Pass and Main roads, resulting in no access or exit for residents amid reports of stone throwing at vehicles.
By 08:00 all entry points were closed, including access from the village to the N2 highway as protesters demanded to speak to representatives of the City. Police kept a close eye until the protest had subsided, and by 11:00 all roads were reopened and the obstructions cleared.
According to Sir Lowry’s Pass resident Ellen Myburgh, the community was frustrated at organisations and individuals who are at the forefront of engagements with the City, despite having the mandate from the community to do so.
“We feel that certain individuals do not have our best interests at heart,” she said. “We have often been left out of meetings and consultations with the City, and as a result we are not informed of processes implemented when it comes to services in this community. This is a direct result of unelected members making false representations of this community.”
Myburgh added that the matter had reached boiling point following objections to the Sir Lowry’s Housing Project underway by the City.
“There are other projects debated with the City as well, but in the absence of proper representation from the community,” she said. “This is what resulted in a protest.”
Malusi Booi, Mayoral Committee member for Human Settlements and other City officials arrived the morning of the protest to address residents and listen to their complaints on their challenges.
“We have committed ourselves to resolving the issue with the Subcouncil chairperson and the ward councillor,” Booi said.
Myburgh said that the community agreed to a meeting on Thursday 25 August to formally elect representatives to meet with the City.
