The City of Cape Town's plan to build a safety barrier along the N2 highway has sparked controversy, with activists calling for a rethink. The #ApartheidWallMustFall campaign and the Movement for Collective Action and Racial Equity (Movement for CARE) protested in Sea Point on Thursday, arguing that the wall fails to address the underlying problems facing communities who live along the N2. The City claims the R114 million project will improve safety by restricting uncontrolled access to the highway.
The N2 highway has a significant crime problem, with regular smash-and-grabs and attacks on motorists. The planned barrier would cover around nine kilometres between Baden-Powell Road near Khayelitsha and Bunga Avenue. Movement for CARE coordinator Nkosikhona Swartbooi believes the focus should not just be on protecting people travelling on the N2, but also on addressing the needs of communities living along the route.
Swartbooi accused the City of failing to engage with affected communities and asking for their input on the wall. He said the organisation had written to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis asking him to respond to its concerns, including questions about consultation with affected communities. The communities, Swartbooi argued, need better basic services, including street lighting, water points, and toilets closer to where people live.
The wall, Swartbooi added, will not solve the problem of crime. He believes it will further deepen the divide between communities along the N2 and more affluent parts of Cape Town. The project reflects what he called a “class bias and a race bias”, reminiscent of how Apartheid treated black and coloured people. The wall's selective location, starting in Baden-Powell and ending in Bunga Avenue, has raised concerns.
Swartbooi also argued that the wall will impact the way communities view themselves and their futures. For many, the sight of Table Mountain offers hope for a better life. The wall, he believes, will block this view, reinforcing the divide between communities. The City of Cape Town's approach to safety has been criticised, with many arguing that it prioritises the needs of motorists over those of local communities.
The #ApartheidWallMustFall campaign and Movement for CARE are not the only voices opposing the wall. The ANC has also criticised the project, saying it will hide poverty from tourists. Residents have expressed concerns about the wall's impact on their daily lives and the effectiveness of the City's approach to safety. The City of Cape Town has yet to respond to the activists' concerns.
The debate over the N2 safety barrier highlights the challenges of addressing crime and safety in Cape Town's communities. While the City aims to improve safety, activists argue that the approach must be more nuanced, addressing the root causes of crime and prioritising the needs of local communities. The outcome of the debate will have significant implications for the city's approach to safety and community development.
Key points
- The City of Cape Town's R114 million N2 safety barrier plan has sparked controversy, with activists arguing it fails to address underlying community problems.
- Activists believe the focus should be on providing basic services to communities, rather than just protecting motorists.
- The wall's impact on communities and its effectiveness in addressing crime have been questioned.
