Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has shared his annual Mayoral Minute, offering a reflective look at the city’s progress over the past year and a glimpse into its future, reports Cape {town} Etc.
In his third Mayoral Minute since taking office, Hill-Lewis expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of the people of Cape Town and highlighted the transformative work underway in the city.
‘2024 has been a year of remarkable progress for Cape Town,’ Hill-Lewis said. ‘We are investing heavily in the things that make cities work – infrastructure, safety, and public services. These investments are already paying off, and the city is starting to feel the difference.’
Investing in Cape Town’s future: Infrastructure and sanitation projects
At the heart of Hill-Lewis’s vision for Cape Town is an unwavering commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure. A major focus of the city’s spending has been sanitation, particularly in the underserved areas of the Cape Flats. In 2024, Cape Town invested a record R9.7 billion in public infrastructure, with a substantial portion directed toward upgrading and replacing the city’s strained sewer network.
‘Few things rob a community of dignity more than sewer spills or poor access to sanitation,’ Hill-Lewis explained. ‘This year, we made significant strides in addressing these issues, particularly in lower-income communities. The Cape Flats Bulk Sewer upgrade, at R715 million, is the largest of its kind in South Africa and will benefit 300,000 households.’
The mayor also announced that Cape Town had met its ambitious target of quadrupling its sewer pipe replacement rate to 100 kilometers annually. This investment is seen as a game-changer for the quality of life in communities that have long faced poor sanitation.
Economic growth and job creation
Under Hill-Lewis’s leadership, Cape Town has seen impressive economic growth, with over 300 000 new jobs created since the start of his term in 2021. With nearly R40 billion set aside for infrastructure projects in the coming years, the mayor forecasts the creation of an additional 130 000 construction jobs.
‘Any year that ends with more people in jobs and fewer people unemployed is a good year,’ Hill-Lewis remarked. ‘In 2024, we’ve seen just that. Our city is a hub for opportunity, and I believe this momentum will continue.’
Safer communities with localised policing
Cape Town’s progress in safety and law enforcement was another key highlight of Hill-Lewis’s report. The mayor shared that the city has made strides in reducing crime, particularly with the introduction of LEAP (Law Enforcement Advancement Plan) officers and innovative safety technologies like ShotSpotter, which detects gunshots in real-time.
In a significant political development, the newly formed national coalition government has granted Cape Town the power to deploy local police officers with investigative capabilities. This long-awaited move will allow Cape Town to build stronger cases against criminals and improve the efficiency of local policing.
‘We’re not just waiting for national government to act – we’re making a difference on the ground right now,’ Hill-Lewis said, pointing to the recent crime statistics showing a 31.7% increase in gun arrests in Manenberg, and up to 93.5% in other high-crime areas.
Restoration of public spaces and community support
The restoration of public spaces in Cape Town has been another major priority for the mayor’s office. Hill-Lewis proudly noted that the city has successfully rehabilitated several formerly derelict areas, including large homeless encampments in the city centre, while providing dignified alternative housing and support services to those affected.
‘We believe in making Cape Town a city that works for everyone, and that includes ensuring that our public spaces are safe and welcoming for all citizens,’ he said.
Additionally, 2024 marked a key milestone for public recreational facilities with the reopening of 37 out of 38 city swimming pools – a first in 15 years. These pools, especially in communities like the Cape Flats, are vital resources for young children in the summer heat.
Looking ahead to 2025
With Cape Town’s momentum building, Hill-Lewis expressed optimism about what lies ahead in 2025. He noted the strong potential for continued progress both in the city and across the country, particularly with the recent shift in national politics.
‘I’m incredibly optimistic about what 2025 holds for Cape Town,’ Hill-Lewis said. ‘We have a solid foundation of progress, and I know that with the continued hard work of our city’s residents and leadership, we’ll continue to see growth and improvement.’
He also extended his gratitude to Cape Town’s citizens, acknowledging their role in creating a city that serves as a beacon of hope and progress.
‘To every Capetonian, thank you for making 2024 such a wonderful year. I look forward to working alongside you again in the new year,’ Hill-Lewis concluded.
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Picture: Supplied
