Highbury Civic Matters

07/04/2026

Make your voice heard. Silence is tactit acceptance of the status quo - copy and paste email template into an email and submit.

https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/Issues-open-for-public-comment/draft-budget-for-2026-2027

# # # **Highbury Resident Budget Submission Templates**

These templates are designed for residents to use during the **2026-2027 City of Cape Town Budget** comment period. [cite_start]They emphasize the lack of progress since the 2021 meeting [cite: 4] [cite_start]and the City's constitutional failure to provide meaningful engagement[cite: 39, 54, 57].

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Email Template**

**To:** Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za
**Cc:** Nosivatho.Mkhize@capetown.gov.za; Johannes.vanderMerwe@capetown.gov.za
**Subject:** Formal Objection: Exclusion of Highbury Priorities in 2026/27 Draft Budget

Dear City of Cape Town Budget Office,

I am writing as a resident of Highbury to formally submit my comments on the **2026-2027 Draft Budget**.

**1. Failure of Meaningful Engagement:**
[cite_start]Under **Section 152(1)(e)** of the Constitution and **Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act**, the City is mandated to involve residents in decision-making[cite: 100]. This administration, however, treats our engagement as a "tick-box" exercise, relegating us to passive commenters on decisions already finalized.

**2. Ignored Highbury Priorities:**
[cite_start]Despite formal meetings held as far back as **June 2, 2021**[cite: 4], the following critical items remain excluded from the current budget and Ward 19 Business Plan:
* [cite_start]**Excelsior Park Upgrades:** Including the community stage and floodlighting relocation discussed years ago[cite: 42, 51, 92].
* [cite_start]**Infrastructure Audits:** The promised audit of Public Open Spaces in Wards 11 and 19 has not materialized[cite: 86, 100].
* **Traffic Alleviation:** Nooiensfontein Road congestion measures are notably absent from the 2026/27 cycle.

**3. Impact on the Community:**
The unresponsive nature of the municipality directly drives community apathy. Seeing infrastructure rolled out in areas without formal civic structures while Highbury’s organized, good-faith efforts are ignored suggests a continued apartheid spatial planning philosophy.

I am participating in this process to ensure there is a formal paper trail of this administration’s failure to fulfill its constitutional mandate. I request that these documented needs be integrated into the final 2026/27 Budget.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address/Ward Number]

02/04/2026

Pensioners may qualify for a rates rebate - https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support

31/03/2026

This formal budget objection is designed to be submitted during the City of Cape Town’s public participation window for the *2026/27 Draft Budget*. It uses the specific project codes and data found in the Subcouncil 14 report to challenge the exclusion of New Nooiensfontein Road.

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# # # *OFFICIAL BUDGET OBJECTION: CITY OF CAPE TOWN DRAFT BUDGET 2026/2027*

**TO: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za
cc: Johannes.VanDerMerwe@capetown.gov.za SUBJECT:* FORMAL OBJECTION TO THE OMISSION OF CAPITAL PROVISION FOR NEW NOOIENSFONTEIN ROAD CONGESTION RELIEF

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally lodge an objection to the *2026/2027 Draft Budget* regarding the lack of dedicated capital expenditure for traffic alleviating infrastructure along the *New Nooiensfontein Road corridor*.

As a resident and ratepayer, I find the current budgetary priorities inconsistent with the City’s constitutional mandate to provide sustainable and safe servicescite: 49]. [cite_start]My objection is based on the following findings from the City's own *"Congestion in the Kuilsrivier Area"* report[cite: 9]:

*1. Failure to Allocate Funds for High-Priority "Planned" Projects*
[cite_start]The Erica Drive Extension (crossing the R300 to New Nooiensfontein Drive) is identified as a vital link to reduce pressure on the M12 and New Nooiensfontein intersection[cite: 30, 31]. [cite_start]However, the budget reflects *zero actual spend* on this project between FY 2017 and FY 2024[cite: 28]. The 2026/27 budget continues this trend by failing to move this project from "Planned" to "Funded."

*2. Unacceptable Dependency on Housing Timelines*
[The City has linked the extension of Saxdowns Road—which is intended to replace the function of the overburdened Nooiensfontein Road—to the *Nooiensfontein Housing Project on Erf 1169* We object to the use of the Housing Budget (CPX.0014611) as a proxy for Transport infrastructure. Traffic relief is an immediate necessity and should be funded independently of residential development timelines.

*3. Evident Geographic Infrastructure Spend Disparity*
The draft budget continues to favor the northern sector of the railway line, where projects like *Langverwacht Road (R57.5m)* and *Amandel Road (R42.5m)* have received full funding and reached 100% completion. The southern sector, specifically the New Nooiensfontein corridor, has been systemically underfunded in comparison.

*4. Inadequate Interim Measures (TDM vs. Capital Spend)*
[cite_start]The City’s reliance on *Travel Demand Management (TDM)* and signal optimization [cite: 57] is insufficient for a Road Class 4 that is operating beyond its capacity. Without capital provision for physical expansion or the Erica Drive bridge, "optimization" will not result in a measurable reduction in the 45–60 minute peak-hour delays currently experienced.

*PROPOSED AMENDMENT:*
request that the Budget Committee reallocates funds within the *Urban Mobility Congestion Relief Programme* to:
* Commencing the land acquisition process for Nooiensfontein Road widening.
* Providing a fixed capital commencement date for the Erica Drive Extension project
Please acknowledge receipt of this objection and provide a formal written response as required by the *Municipal Systems Act*.

Sincerely,

*[Your Name]*
*[Your Physical Address]

Community Notice: Traffic Congestion Concerns (2026–2027 Budget) 🚨

Dear Residents,

We would like to raise awareness and encourage community action regarding the lack of traffic congestion relief measures south of the Kuils River railway line in the City of Cape Town’s 2026–2027 financial year budget.

❗ Key Concern:
There is a noticeable imbalance in capital expenditure on road infrastructure, with significantly more investment directed toward areas north of the railway line, while our communities in the south continue to face growing congestion challenges.

🚗 Why this matters:

* Longer daily commute times
* Increased road safety risks
* Reduced economic activity in our area
* Ongoing strain on local roads and infrastructure

📢 What we can do:
Residents are encouraged to submit formal objections and request:

* Fair and transparent allocation of infrastructure funding
* Clear criteria for project prioritisation
* Immediate plans to address congestion in our area

✉️ An email template is available—please use it and make your voice heard!

Let’s stand together to ensure equitable development and improved mobility for all.

🙏 Please share this message with neighbours and community groups.

31/03/2026

Community Notice: Traffic Congestion Concerns (2026–2027 Budget) 🚨

Dear Residents,

We would like to raise awareness and encourage community action regarding the lack of traffic congestion relief measures south of the Kuils River railway line in the City of Cape Town’s 2026–2027 financial year budget.

❗ Key Concern:
There is a noticeable imbalance in capital expenditure on road infrastructure, with significantly more investment directed toward areas north of the railway line, while our communities in the south continue to face growing congestion challenges.

🚗 Why this matters:

* Longer daily commute times
* Increased road safety risks
* Reduced economic activity in our area
* Ongoing strain on local roads and infrastructure

📢 What we can do:
Residents are encouraged to submit formal objections and request:

* Fair and transparent allocation of infrastructure funding
* Clear criteria for project prioritisation
* Immediate plans to address congestion in our area

✉️ An email template is available—please use it and make your voice heard!

Let’s stand together to ensure equitable development and improved mobility for all.

🙏 Please share this message with neighbours and community groups.

18/03/2026

Pensioners may qualify for a rates rebate - https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support

17/03/2026

For the attention of the residents of Highbury and surrounding communities

02/03/2026

WARD 11 & WARD 19: URGENT TRAFFIC ACTION! 🚗🛑

Neighbors, the gridlock on New Nooiensfontein Road is a failure of service delivery. We are now moving to formalize our pressure on Subcouncil 14.

We need every resident to send a formal email to our Ward Councillors demanding that this issue be placed on the OFFICIAL WARD COMMITTEE AGENDA. This ensures the City cannot ignore our minutes!

YOUR 2-MINUTE ACTION PLAN:

Copy the email template below.

Send it to the Ward 11 & 19 Councillors and Subcouncil 14 management.

Comment "DONE" below with your Ward number!

RECIPIENTS: 📩
Ward 11 Cllr: Pieter.DeVos2@capetown.gov.za 📩
Ward 19 Cllr Ebrahim.Sawant@capetown.gov.za📩
Subcouncil 14 Chair: Johannes.VanDerMerwe@capetown.gov.za 📩 Subcouncil 14 Manager: nosivathogetrude.mkhize@capetown.gov.za

cc : highbury.foundation.kr@gmail.com (record keeping for holding administration to account)

THE EMAIL TEMPLATE (Copy & Paste below)

To: Ward 11 Councillor, Ward 19 Councillor, Chairperson & Manager: Subcouncil 14

Subject: FORMAL REQUEST: Inclusion of New Nooiensfontein Road Congestion on Ward Committee & Subcouncil Agendas

Dear Councillors and Subcouncil 14 Leadership,

As a resident and taxpayer, I am writing to formally request that you exercise your legislative obligations under Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act to ensure that the chronic traffic congestion on New Nooiensfontein Road is addressed with the urgency it deserves.

Specifically, I am requesting that you:

WARD COMMITTEE AGENDA: Immediately include "New Nooiensfontein Road Traffic Intervention" as a Standing Item on the Ward Committee Agenda for both Ward 11 and Ward 19.

SUBCOUNCIL MOTION: Table a formal motion at Subcouncil 14 to ensure this matter is reflected in the Subcouncil Activity Day and that progress is tracked in the official monthly minutes.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Ensure that the Urban Mobility Department provides a written status report at every Ward Committee meeting until a measurable reduction in peak-hour congestion is achieved.

Our community requires a transparent "paper trail" of the steps being taken to resolve this bottleneck. Please confirm that this item will appear on the next scheduled Ward Committee agenda.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Ward Number/Address]

02/03/2026

# # # 🚧 *COMMUNITY NOTICE: Excelsior Street Park Foot Path Rehabilitation* 🚧

Dear Residents and Scholars,

Please be advised that the *rehabilitation of footpaths* at Excelsior Street Park will officially commence this week.

To ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed on time, we kindly request your cooperation with the following:

* *Safety & Access:* Please be mindful of active work zones. We ask that all residents and scholars avoid interfering with the construction to ensure progress stays on track.
* *Security:* If you witness any suspicious activity or the *theft of paving materials*, please report it immediately to [Insert Contact Person/Security Group].
* *Timeline:* The project is anticipated to take *41 days*, weather permitting.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community spaces!

*Thank you.*

26/12/2025

📢 MEMORANDUM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
📅 Date: 19/02/2026
📍 Subject: Proposed Acquisition of Erf 14079 (Highbury)

OVERVIEW 🏗️
Despite concerns over previous public participation, a strategic opportunity has emerged to secure Erf 14079 for the community. To prevent purely commercial development, we are seeking a registered NGO to bid on this land.

PROPOSED USE 🏫

Early Childhood Development (ECD): High-quality education in a secure environment.

Community Hub: A multi-purpose mini-hall for meetings and local events.

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY 💰
Because this is for public benefit, the land is available at a massive discount:

Market Value: R1,555,000

Discounted Rate: 10% – 25%

Est. Purchase Price: R155,500 – R388,750

LEGAL SAFEGUARDS ⚖️
To ensure the land is never "flipped" for profit:

Zoning: Remains CO1 (Community Use).

Reversionary Clause: If the land isn't used for the community, ownership reverts to the municipality.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 📞
If you are part of an NGO or a stakeholder, please contact:
👤 ClareMart
☎️ 021 425 8822
📧 coctproperties@claremart.com
Ref: Auction process and NGO participation

14/12/2025

Every resident of Highbury should have one of these -

Master the art of espaliering fruit trees with 7 simple steps. Perfect for maximizing space and enhancing the beauty of your garden.

17/11/2025

Current status - overgrown with weeds. A reflection of the residents who live in Highbury. The parks department is committed to deliver wood chips to cover the circle. However it would be better if the circle and the embankment is first weeded. Lets endeavour to host a mid summer cleanup on 13 December 2025 - Starting at 6:30 a.m