By Father John Oliver

In 2008 Princess Vlei was the focus of a community led rehabilitation project of fynbos and wetland ecology, named “The Dressing of The Princess’. The community planted indigenous fynbos, removed alien vegetation and litter and created new walkways. When plans surfaced in 2009 to build a shopping mall on the vlei the community opposed the plan and, after an extensive programme of public participation and environmental assessment, the Spatial Planning Committee reversed their original recommendations and urged the City of Cape Town not to support the development.

The developers then approached the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) who, in April 2012, gave the go-ahead for the development, ignoring the community public participation programme and Spatial Planning Committee recommendation.

 Concerned community members have formed the Princess Vlei Forum to lead the campaign in opposition to the development of this shopping mall that threatens Princess Vlei and blatantly disregards the voice of the People.  

The strong opposition by the community and many other concerned citizens is based on the following assertions:

• It will destroy local business. Instead of money going to local business and remaining in the area, money will be sucked away to the pockets of big retailers.
• There are already many shopping centres nearby – there is no need for another.
• The cultural heritage of Princess Vlei is part of the collective memory of the community. From the Khoi-San who first came to the area, to many who have grown up and lived there all their lives.
• The environmental damage will be extensive. Damage to the environment of Princess Vlei affects all of the Cape Wetlands – they are all connected.
• Princess Vlei is a healthy family and community recreational space. Nature is good for the hearts, souls and spirits of our people.
• The public space belongs to the people. If it is to be sold to a developer the natural asset will be gone forever.
• The WCPG is ignoring the voice of the people as well as the advice of their own experts.

As part of its strategic campaigning, the Princess Vlei Forum has developed:

The People’s Plan for Princess Vlei

This is a plan that outlines how the public space can become an invaluable asset, for the local community and for the whole of Cape Town. The plan accommodates the community’s needs, and honours the historical, cultural and environmental significance of this natural wetland. It is founded on the following principles:

• A plan which is developed by the community, for the community
• A plan which recognises and affirms the peoples  pride in heritage and culture
• A plan which will rehabilitate a highly endangered natural fynbos ecology
• A plan which will create a healthy recreational space and family environment for all Capetonians to enjoy
• A plan which will engage and educate  youth on the environment, history and culture
• A plan which will yield economic benefits to the area and local community

The People’s Plan will be developed as more voices are heard and more needs are respected. Currently the plan includes a number of components namely:

• A multi purpose cultural and environmental centre
• A memorial park and Khoisan village
• A sunset concert park
• A local goods and produce market
• Walk ways, Hiking trails and recreational areas. 

Save Princess Vlei is campaigning for:

• successful community-led environmental rehabilitation project that could be a model for other communities to revitalize their public space
• the Grassy Park community and their right to participate in decision-making regarding their public space and in strong opposition to
• opposition against the  WCPG’s complete disregard for expert opinion and the voice of the community
• opposition against the destruction of a natural space of high ecological, social, cultural and historical value
• opposition against the building of the unwanted shopping Mall.

 

For further information regarding rally’s, events, workshops and programmes please contact:

Nazeer Sonday (princess vlei forum committee member) @ 072 72 434 65

nasonday@gmail.com

Or visit the save the princess vlei on Facebook

 

About the Author:

Father John Oliver was the former chair of the Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum, a multi-faith organisation which responds to current socio-economic and environmental issues in the Province. SAFCEI is an active member of this forum.