Residents packed Wynberg Boys’ Junior School on Tuesday 24 February at 18:00. Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson apologised for years of delays at the state-owned Waterloo Green property.
The site, situated near schools and residential homes in Wynberg, has remained largely unused for more than a decade. Vacant buildings have repeatedly been unlawfully occupied, with residents raising ongoing safety concerns.
“I want to offer a personal apology to all of you that we have not got as far as we should have,” said MacPherson. “We take responsibility.”
Security concerns raised by residents
Residents told officials that unlawful occupants access the property through the Wynberg River canal. Afterwards, they climb over boundary fences into neighbouring homes.
“We have spent thousands securing our properties, but access through the river remains a problem,” one resident said.
Dumisani Gqibela, regional manager in Cape Town for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), confirmed that parts of the property remain lawfully occupied. These include a government garage and several dwellings.
However, three vacant buildings have become problematic due to repeated unlawful occupation.
Increased security from March
Gqibela confirmed that security measures will be strengthened from March.
“As of next month there will be six security personnel on site, including two dog handlers, and fencing will be reinforced,” he said.
The department hopes the additional security presence will deter further unlawful entry.
Heritage legislation delays demolition
Demolition of unsafe structures has been delayed by heritage legislation. Approval from Heritage Western Cape is required before buildings older than 60 years can be demolished.
A heritage architect must first conduct assessments before any demolition can proceed.
Ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven added that an electricity cable running through the property must be relocated before sections of the site can be fully secured or leased.
Independent programme manager appointed
To address administrative delays, MacPherson announced that an independent programme manager has been appointed to fast-track decisions about the site’s future use.
Law enforcement officials acknowledged that the property remains difficult to manage.
Principal Inspector Nelson Draai from Metro Police said officers regularly remove unlawful occupants, but they often return.
“It is an ongoing enforcement issue,” Draai said.
Future use still under discussion
Residents proposed that the land be used for affordable housing for teachers and other public servants. However, officials cautioned that environmental and heritage protections limit development options.
Closing the meeting, MacPherson assured residents that any future plans for Waterloo Green would involve public consultation.
After more than 11 years of delays, residents said they will closely monitor commitments made at Tuesday’s meeting. They want to see if these result in visible improvements.
