On June 16th of this year, the community of Bonteheuwel had the official inauguration of the Bonteheuwel Peace Garden.  A piece of land that was used as an illegal dump, was beautifully transformed into a community space. 

The opening of our peace garden included various community, interfaith and environmental organisations.  The councillor of ward 50, who is a representative of the City of Cape Town, was a speaker at the opening.

On 2nd September however, we as a community were deeply saddened to see the plot of land, where we create the much-needed community space, up for auction. 

Even more disappointing was the fact that this notice was done by the City of Cape Town.  The same City who, represented by the councillor of ward 50, attended the opening of our garden.  Messages to our ward councillor have been ignored and sadly, it seems the Citys representative will not be assisting the community to keep its garden.

As the Bonteheuwel community, we urgently call on:

• The City of Cape Town to STOP this auction
• The City and the Ward Councillor to work with the community to create safe spaces in Bonteheuwel 

We are tired of being referred to as a gang-ridden, crime-ridden community.  As a community, we are committed to creating safe spaces, creating youth programmes, fostering social cohesion and developing Bonteheuwel into the community we know it can be.  

We ask you, the broader community to help us save our garden by:

• Signing this petition
• Emailing the city representatives & let them know your objection:
  • Ward councillor: angus.mckenzie@capetown.gov.za
  • City of Cape Town: mayor.mayor@capetown.gov.za
  • City Manager: lungelo.mbandazayo@capetown.gov.za
  • Councillor for urban development: grant.twigg@capetown.gov.za

Please keep walkingladies@bonteheuwel.co.za in copy if emails are sent to the above representatives.

Please have a look at our image gallery here: https://www.bonteheuwel.co.za/peace-garden-gallery/