Hout Bay - Problems With Informal Settlement

Problems With Informal Settlement

The main informal settlement in Hout Bay is Imizamo Yethu. Relations between the residents of Hout Bay and the residents of Imizamo Yethu have been strained for several years following the national elections in 1994 and 1999.

The tension between these diverse economic communities arise from the location of Imizamo Yethu. It is situated within a community consisting of both affluent and middle income citizens. The initial response to Imizamo Yethu was not favourable. The residents of Hout Bay, represented by the Hout Bay Ratepayers' Association and the Hout Bay Residents' Association, strongly objected to the location and management of the informal settlement and also the suggestion of an increase in the land used for the settlement in 2001. Both associations feared that the land invasions at the time were racially motivated, whereas the African National Congress feared that the Residents Association of Hout Bay was creating a racially charged environment and refusing to develop land for housing. Current issues between residents of Hout Bay and Imizamo Yethu are focused on service delivery for the informal settlement. The 18 hectares (44 acres) area supports 20,000 people, with many of these living in cramped and squalid conditions with no plumbing, roads or any discernible infrastructure for sustainable living. This is in sharp contrast to the affluence of much of Hout Bay. In addition to much middle income housing for local South Africans, there are also a number of multi-million rand mansions, luxurious holiday homes and some small wine estates. As of 2007, political differences between the Democratic Alliance and African National Congress have hampered the building of houses for the residents of Imizamo Yethu.

The settlement has also been linked to crime within Hout Bay. Crime increased markedly up to 2003, particularly in property crime such as housebreaking and vehicle theft. In response to the escalating crime situation, the Hout Bay community formed a successful neighbourhood watch group. This neighbourhood watch has been extremely effective in greatly reducing crime in the valley. Initiatives of this group include further policing, roadblocks, CCTV monitoring, radio network, day and night patrols and the establishment of a 24-hour emergency call centre.