In the latest #SliceofGasant, Gasant Abarder has identified the recipe in the inaugural address by our new Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, that will make our beautiful city a great home for all who live here.
Abarder, who recently launched his book, Hack with a Grenade, is among the country’s most influential media voices. Catch his weekly column here, exclusive to Cape {town} Etc.
Dear Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis,
As our new mayor, you made a heartening first speech to the Council and the people of Cape Town. You were under no illusion that hard work lies ahead. One hopes your energy – as the Mother City’s youngest ever mayor at 34 – doesn’t wane when faced with the many challenges you are sure to encounter.
Your words struck a chord: “The government that has been elected by the people of Cape Town is gathered here today to publicly affirm that we will serve this city with a clear higher purpose.
“And that purpose can be summed up in one sentence: to restore hope in South Africa by turning Cape Town into living proof that we can roll back poverty, that we can overcome the long shadows of our past, and that our country can still realise the society dreamt of in the founding document of our democracy, the Constitution.
“A city more caring, more inclusive, more prosperous, more united, more respectful, more safe, and more free.”
To start making a dent to this inequality, you may want to begin addressing a key area in the city that has held good city back from being great. What should be top of the pile in your in-tray? Embarking on a radical plan to reverse spatial planning designed during apartheid.
It’s not going to be easy, Mr Mayor. But achieving greater parity in this city will lead you to all the other noble goals in your speech. By leading the way, the people of Cape Town will roll up their sleeves and support your efforts. And that means working with your opponents as well, and working with communities and listening the way you did during your election campaign.
Let me tell you a little story, Mr Mayor.
A rag tag team of misfits called Woodstock Wanderers Football Club was established in 1996. It was a foil to the twin challenges of gangs and drugs for the youth in the area.
The core of that team is now in its 40s. The team has a few journos, a church deacon and even an MP. But one thing remained the same over 25-years: even though we’re from Woodstock, as the name suggests, we have nowhere to play the game in the suburb we’re from. It remains true for most suburbs.
Whether it’s Hanover Park Cricket Club, Strandfontein Cricket Club or Woodstock Wanderers Football Club. Recreational amenities for social use are either in a dire state or non-existent. Those that are located in working class communities are either already leased to established clubs and not open to the general public for a kick-about or a run.
So, most of the week leading to our Sunday social matches, we’re scratching our heads to find a venue. This Sunday, we had a lightbulb moment and ended up at the Green Point Urban Park. It wasn’t easy because it is a far from home for most of the players (many of whom have since moved out of Woodstock).
Let me tell you, sir, this park is a slice of heaven in the heart of our City’s prettiest precinct. We played for two hours to our hearts’ content and at the final whistle we had a United Nations of football – with gentlemen from Zimbabwe, the Congo and Tanzania joining the action. And we’ll be back!
Yes, it’s just a social football match. But sport is a catalyst for unlocking everything you’re trying to achieve. Just imagine each suburb had such facilities with open access to the public for social recreational use? It is literally a game changer.
Traditionally, such spaces mainly exist in suburbs that were historically and predominantly white. This is why reversing apartheid spatial planning should be your number one priority. It will be your legacy where others have failed. And it will set in motion the transition needed to create the inclusivity you speak of.
It starts with inclusive and affordable social housing closer to opportunities. Closer to Green Point Urban Park type amenities. Closer to the CBD so the poorest in our city don’t have to travel four hours of their day to get to work. But ultimately, closer to reversing the cruel inequalities that still exist in our city.
I wish you luck, Mr Mayor, and congratulate you on your election as our mayor. I implore you not to forget the words of your inspiring inaugural address. Be single-minded about this inclusive city and you’ll see how the people of this beautiful city will rally behind you.
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Picture: Twitter