Cape Town - After numerous reports by the Cape Argus and persistent pressure from activists about Cape Town's housing crisis, the city has finally put its cards on the table about the provision of affordable housing.
With a housing waiting list of 320 000 people, it plans to build 956 residential units, which will include social and affordable housing.
Mayoral committee member for transport and urban development Brett Herron said the city will be issuing a prospectus and call for housing partnerships with private developers "so things can start next year".
"We will be releasing city land in the next two months."
Herron’s announcement comes in the wake of more people calling for affordable and social housing. Scores of people have been evicted from Woodstock where a number of new property developments are taking place. This is due to owners in the area evicting tenants and selling their buildings to private developers.
On Tuesday, residents from Albert Road in Woodstock, who are facing eviction, went to the Affordable Housing Conference, where Herron made his announcement, and protested with placards.
They demanded entrance into the conference room, to hear the city's announcement. A scuffle later broke out as they were prevented from entering. They were later allowed into the room on the condition that they did not disturb the proceedings.
Deliah Fillies, 65, who was born in the Albert Road building in which she lives, said: "I am not going to move out of Woodstock and go to Blikkiesdorp or Wolwerivier. I am an elderly lady and cannot afford a new house."
Herron said his team would meet the residents of Albert Road about social housing.