For years residents of Ward 113 (includes the areas of Table View, Bloubergstrand, Parklands, and Dolphin Beach) have voiced growing frustration over vagrants occupying the beachfront and surrounding public spaces, where makeshift shelters have become a visible and persistent issue.
What was once a place for families, joggers and visitors has too often been overshadowed by concerns around safety, hygiene and accessibility.
In response, Ward 113 last week carried out a comprehensive joint operation to restore order and cleanliness to key areas. The initiative, led in partnership with the City’s Displaced Persons Unit (DPU), law enforcement, the City’s Solid Waste, and the Community Police Forum (CPF), with support from sub-council manager Roxanne Moses and sub-council chair Phindile Maxiti, targeted Birkenhead Road, Blaauwberg, the Old Tourist Centre and the beachfront, where public complaints have been on the rise.
Concerns addressed
The local Ward councillor Sue van der Linde said the coordinated effort showed meaningful progress and addressed long-standing concerns from the community.
The operation focused on Birkenhead Road, Blaauwberg, the Old Tourist Centre and the beachfront, areas with the presence of rough sleepers and where makeshift camps had grown increasingly visible.
Van der Linde welcomed the results, noting residents had long raised concerns about public spaces being overtaken.
“While we remain compassionate towards those who are struggling we cannot ignore the fact that vagrants living on our beachfront and streets have become an eyesore and a source of discomfort for the community. Our duty is to keep these areas clean, safe, and accessible to everyone.”
While the operation was deemed a success by officials it also brought disruption for those forced to move. One of the vagrants who had been sleeping near the Old Tourist Centre, said: “I have nowhere else to go. Every time we are moved, I just find another corner. I wish there was a proper place where I could stay.”
How residents can help
Van der Linde stressed that operations alone cannot keep Ward 113 clean and safe. She urged residents to play their part by:
- Reporting rough sleepers via the City Emergency Line: 021 480 7700.
- Disposing responsibly at local dumps rather than leaving items on sidewalks.
- Donating clothing, bedding, or goods to St Luke’s Hospice Shop (248 Blaauwberg Road) or TLC Outreach Projects (18 Pentz Drive).
- Supporting shelters instead of giving money or food directly on the streets.
- Volunteering for beach clean-ups or local beautification projects.
“Please don’t try to move people on your own,” Van der Linde warned. “This must be handled by trained officials for everyone’s safety.”
Looking ahead
Two major initiatives are on the horizon for Ward 113:
- Deployment of community safety officers: From September, five full-time officers will be stationed in the ward, monitoring hotspot areas and deterring rough sleeping between operations.
- Plans for a local shelter: Councillors van der Linde and Jonathan Mills were working to secure property for a dedicated shelter and skills programme, aimed at long-term rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Homelessness is not a crime, but no-one has the right to claim a public space as their own,” Van der Linde said.
“By working with City teams, enforcement, and our residents, we can keep Ward 113 clean and safe while also striving to create real opportunities for those who need help.”
