Management at Eden on the Bay is calling for a coordinated response to ongoing public drinking, disruptive gatherings, loud music and other incidents of public disorder in the surrounding Big Bay beachfront and public-parking areas.

The team said in a statement it understood the frustration of residents, visitors and businesses affected by the behaviour, that management said was undermining the area’s appeal as a popular beachfront destination.

Management said it had sought permission from the City of Cape Town, together with the Big Bay Master Property Owners Association, to take greater responsibility for managing the surrounding public areas, particularly in relation to taxi activity, parking and access control.

However, the request was declined.

Public areas outside Eden’s control

Eden on the Bay Management stressed that the public-parking areas and beachfront walkway in front of the restaurants are not part of the sectional-title development.

The common property within Eden on the Bay is managed by the Body Corporate, which also provides security for the development. The surrounding public spaces, however, fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town.

Although the areas are closely associated with Eden on the Bay and are used by visitors to the centre, management said its private security personnel do not have the same enforcement powers as City Law Enforcement or the police.

“This distinction is essential to ensuring that intervention comes from the authorities empowered to address unlawful conduct in these spaces,” management said.

It added that this did not lessen its concern about the impact of the incidents or its commitment to finding a lasting solution.

Calls for sustained enforcement

Management and the Body Corporate said they had repeatedly raised concerns about public disorder and the need for a consistent and visible law enforcement presence.

Private security officers continue to respond to incidents affecting the Eden on the Bay property and assist where they can within their lawful powers.

A community petition calling for additional Law Enforcement was supported by more than 300 people and handed to the ward councillor in December 2025.

Management said the increased Law Enforcement presence during the festive season that followed was welcomed, but the continuation of the problems showed that sustained intervention was needed.

The Body Corporate has also investigated supplementary security options for the beachfront and parking areas. However, providing additional coverage during evenings, weekends and other periods when incidents are more likely remains a challenge.

Summer season concerns

With the summer season approaching, Eden on the Bay is calling on the City, Law Enforcement and relevant policing authorities to prioritise visible patrols in the public beachfront and parking areas.

It wants patrols to be particularly focused on evenings, weekends and peak periods.

Management is also calling for enforcement against unlawful public drinking, disruptive noise, threatening behaviour and obstruction of access routes.

It further wants the relevant authorities to establish a coordinated response plan with clear responsibilities and ongoing communication with the community.

“Private security efforts need to be supported by effective public law enforcement,” management said, adding that a lasting solution would require coordinated action from the authorities responsible for the public spaces.

Community urged to report incidents

Residents, visitors and businesses are being encouraged to document relevant incidents through the Big Bay Incident Reporting Portal.

Management said reports would help establish the extent and frequency of problems and support ongoing requests to the City and Law Enforcement for intervention.

The portal does not replace emergency services or the reporting of criminal matters to the police.

Eden on the Bay said it remained committed to supporting its tenants, residents and visitors and working with the relevant authorities towards safe, clean and welcoming public spaces.

For further information, please contact Eden on the Bay Management at management@edenbc.co.za

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