Last weekend I spent some time collecting signatures for a petition to stop the development of the Sea Point Pavilion in Cape Town. The development being planned consists of a hotel on one side of the Sea Point swimming pool and a three-storey shopping complex, restaurants, a gymnasium and other retail outlets on the other side of the pool.
One of the main concerns is that for the development to go ahead, the area would have to be rezoned from “public open space” to a zone for commercial purposes. This could result in a precedent that will allow wall-to-wall development along the coastline.
I know that this may sound rather insignificant in comparison to the issues hitting the headlines at the moment — and on the surface it does seem small, local and provincial — but if we delve a bit deeper, it has the potential of changing our landscape from one of few open public spaces for all to one of privatised property for a few.
Perhaps this sounds a bit sensationalist — this is not my intention, especially since I was recently told that environmentalists are doomsayers and should walk around with a sign that says “The end is nigh” as they have nothing positive to say. I can say a lot about this comment, but I’ll save it for another day and another blog!
Back to the issue at hand: the matter of developing the Sea Point Pavilion dates back to 1998 when the area was not being used much and was actually quite dilapidated. The City of Cape Town issued a call for proposals for the redevelopment of the site. Importantly, since the city’s call, the area has been revamped and has resulted in people from all walks of life using the area along the coast — from the swimming pool to the Mouille Point Lighthouse (3km in distance) — as a place to meet friends, get some exercise, walk the dog, play soccer or just watch the sun set.
In 2004, the then national minister of environmental affairs, Valli Moosa, gave assurances that the project would not go ahead. However, in August 2007 the provincial minister of environmental affairs and development planning, Tasneem Essop, issued an amended record of decision (ROD) authorising the development. A voluntary organisation called “Sea Front for All’ is contesting the ROD with a judicial review in the high court. (For more information please go to www.seafa.org.za.)
During my short stint collecting signatures, I encountered many people who agreed to sign against the development in the area. However, there were a few who objected and raised the following “angry” comments:
- It was implied that I was only involved in the campaign because I lived in this area. Actually, I am from Johannesburg. I do believe I have a right to enjoy public open spaces and I am just tired of the privatisation of so much of South African land.
- The development will be good for jobs. This project is not going to result in the creation of hundreds of jobs. In fact, building a mall would affect the small businesses in close proximity to the area. (“Snow jobs” written by George Monbiot on “employment figures attached to large projects” in relation to the UK is a useful read and can be viewed on www.monbiot.com.)
- There is no point — government gets what government wants and we are fooling ourselves in thinking that we have any power to change anything. Hmm, and I thought I was a doomsayer bunny-hugger!
- The beachfront needs attention. I most definitely agree. But why do we think that development means malls and hotels? I support Seafa who is calling for a well thought-out and public process to decide what should be done to improve the area.
At the moment most of the organising has been done in Cape Town. I think that this should be extended all over the country — a public open space must belong to the people.
The campaign is ongoing. If you would like to voice your objection, please add your name to the petition on the Seafa website (listed above). In addition there will be a public protest at the Sea Point Pavilion on April 13 2008 from 2pm to 5pm to hand over the petition to a yet-to-be-determined public official.
Good for you! I agree that this should be PUBLIC open space; well policed, if need be, to make it a safe and clean area. Its totally wrong to allow our recreational areas to be privatised. We need good amenities, maybe a few food stalls, and the freedom just to be there. I’ve always loved taking visitors there – one of South Africa’s treasures. Put another mall there and that part of Sea Point will fraternised only be the spoil rich and their hangers on -drug dealers and beggars. (The V & A has to work very hard to stay safe, and we all know that its very expensive, although nice).
As a regular user of the extended promenade I can attest to its popularity with people from all walks of life and from all parts of Cape Town.
One of the issues that needs to be clarified is the identity of the parties involved. Will it be a case of political patronage or is the proposed development being dealt with on the basis of a transparent public tender. Having said this, the area immediately surrounding the Sea Point pool is rather tacky and would certainly benefit from beautification provided that it is low key and does not lead to other development along the Green Point / Sea Point seafront.
The essence of any development is that it should be for the benefit of the wider community and not merely another enrichment exercise for a select few.
As it happens I am far from convinced that an upmarket mall and a large noisy public swimming pool make for symbiotic neighbours
What is Essop up to? The ANC’s principles support the broad will and needs of the people against the narrow will and needs of businesses.
One can only wonder if she was bribed – it sure looks like it. Perhaps the M&G can ASK her, and get her to explain here? And do a bit of investigation around the issue.
I’ve signed the petition and I really hope that the City will take it seriously. The promenade is an oasis for people from all walks of life and is one of the places in Cape Town where you can see every colour, shape and creed mixing peacefully and happily (even the bergies are rather mellow).
Tasteful, low-key development that is in harmony with the surroundings would be welcome but I don’t see how a mall and a hotel would improve the area.
Thanks for the comments.
@Anton – I agree that the area around the pool needs some work and as I mentioned in my blog this does not have to amount to malls and hotels.
The original proposal was awarded to On Track Developments CC (later (Pty) Ltd). If you check the Seafa website you may find more information on the process.
@Mike – I also cannot understand Essop’s position on this issue, especially as she has taken some lead steps on other issues such as sustainable energy.
Thanks for article. you should go on radio with this
All races and walks of life – mixing, playing, enjoying the sea, and miraculously it is safe…and doesn’t involve spending money to exercise and socialise with friends.
A mall and its ugly car park can happily just go elsewhere, instead of wasting space and OUR money and will NEVER add as much as the Pavilion does to Cape Town. Think twice – somethings value can’t always be calculated in Rands, The Pavilion is a feature of living in Cape Town! Please save it for us! We all love it.
Communist!!!! *shakes fist and drools*…
The Seafa organisers have been on radio and have written articles in the various (local) newspapers. It is hoped that the April 13 public protest will be covered in print and other media.
Another reminder – please visit the seafa website and sign the petition.
Thanks!
I have looked at the Seafa website but can find not mention of the people behind the deal, ie, On Track Developments. All seems a bit vague and I have asked Seafa for more detail.
For those who might be interseted I attach a message received from Seafa
Dear Anton
Thank you for your enquiry. Farrell Bernberg seems to head up On Track Development.
Aly Verbaan in her People’s Post article (http://www.news24.com/Regional_Papers/Components/Category_Article_Text_Template/0,,1806_2252970~E,00.html) records that “On Track Developments is hea?ded by businessmen Farrell Bernberg and Lawrence Peregrino, as well as Serena Rosslind, who is married to a BEE beneficiary of the controversial 2006 sale of the V&A Waterfront, Derrick Rosslind, who also heads Rosslind Healthcare and Venecon International Developers.”
I am asking our Chairman, Bennie Rabinowitz, to drop a note if he can supplement further.
Sincerely
Janey Ball
I do not know any of the names
Good for you…thanks for doing something about it.
@all – thanks! The response has been great!
@anton – I was going to respond to you this morning but you beat me to it!! I’m glad you e-mailed to get the information about “on track developments”.