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CAPE TIMES
Bronwen Lankers-Byrne, of the Civil Rights Action Group (Crag), started a hunger strike at the construction site on Chapmans Peak and said she would stop only when construction on the toll plaza and office block was halted. Photo: Michael Walker
A Hout Bay resident and member of the Civil Rights Action Group (Crag) started a hunger strike at the Chapman’s Peak toll plaza and office block site on Sunday, saying she would stop only if the construction was halted.
With temperatures of 35º on Sunday, Bronwen Lankers-Byrne was strong and vowed to carry on until authorities were prepared to have transparent discussions and take residents’ feelings on the development into account.
Lankers-Byrne, who is almost 60, sat alone under a small tree opposite the construction site on Chapman’s Peak where she started her hunger strike at 7am.
“I will do this for as long as it takes,” she said.
Earlier in the day a few environmentalists were also at the site where they spray-painted containers and road signs near the site. The group sprayed messages like: “We are still gatvol” and “a precedent for one office block, then another and another”.
Lankers-Byrne said she was only drinking water and was feeling strong except for a “pounding headache”.
She was the march co-ordinator for the protest last month when more than 2 000 people voiced their opposition to the construction of a toll plaza and office block for the toll operator, Entilini.
Residents say the building does not match the plans they commented on during the public participation processes.
Lankers-Byrne said: “When I was interviewed in 2009 at a protest, I was really angry and I told a reporter, ‘Over my dead body will they build this plaza,’ That’s where the hunger strike thought started and then I also thought about what Gandhi would do in this situation and I thought about a passive but strong resistance that’s effective.”
Lankers-Byrne was particularly outraged that building continued despite a showing by more than 2 000 people who disagreed with the plan.
Various civil groups are opposing the R54 million development with the Hout Bay Residents Association busy finalising documents to file an interdict to stop the construction from continuing.
Lankers-Byrne did not have any breakfast and by 2pm she said: “Spiritually I feel fine. I’ve resolved myself to the fact that I am not going to put anything past my mouth except water until they stop building and we sit around a table to discuss the data and a simple way forward.”
Premier Helen Zille cycled on Chapman’s Peak yesterday morning and Lankers-Byrne stopped her and explained what she was doing. Zille took her details and said she would be in contact.
“I am just tired of politicians. We vote for them, we pay their salaries and they do what we don’t want, with our money,” she said.
Local actress Vanessa Haywood stopped as she was driving past and took a picture of Lankers-Byrne.
She posted the picture on Twitter and tweeted: “And the morons have already started building on Chappies.”
Haywood, who has more than 5 000 followers on Twitter, said she wanted to rally support for Lankers-Byrne and signed the petition at the site opposing the development.
Transport and Public Works MEC Robin Carlisle said: “We can talk as soon as we can. I don’t want her to do anything drastic. I’ve had several long talks with people on Crag’s committee and I’m happy to talk to anyone about Chapman’s Peak. The purpose of discussion is to see what solutions we can come to and if they want to have a discussion, they must look at all the possibilities. We all want to find the least objectionable solution.”
He did not speak for other stakeholders, but was sure they would also make time to talk, Carlisle said. - Cape Times
zara.nicholson@inl.co.za
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Dave, wrote
"I'm just tired of politicians" Yeah, well I'm just tired of NIMBYs pushing their agenda of disinformation and misinformation. Protest all you like, that's your right, but base it on facts, not on the hysteria you are peddling as being fact. It's no wonder that the protesters are getting such a following - I'd be outraged if what they are saying is true. But the fact is - it's not true at all. Do you honestly - HONESTLY - believe that the DA would be making themselves so unpopular in Hout Bay if they actually had a choice in this matter? Yes - the Entilini contract is BS. It's horribly flawed. But we can't do anything about that now. Carlisle's hands are tied and this sort of emotional publicity stunt is pathetic. You don't want the toll plaza upgrade? Fine. Close Chappies - which is a scar across a beautiful mountainside anyway - and let nature take its course. We're all utterly fed up of hearing about it now.
StopTolling, wrote
Well done Bronwen!! I admire your tenacity and courage. I feel this is a huge opportunity for the ANC to win brownie points in the WC. If they were to take up this issue and propose a motion in parliament that this construction be stopped, they would easily pass such a billmotion with their large majority. This would leave them smelling like roses for protecting the environment and would leave the DA with egg on their faces. I also find the DA extremely hypocritical for vocally opposing urban tolling in Gauteng but doing exactly the same here in WC! If this construction goes ahead, I for one will not vote DA again.
Houties, wrote
Good to read that she is prepared to do what it takes(hunger strike)question is what will she achieve in doing this, get her name in the paper as someone who is doing something drastic to draw attention to the development even though the development has already made headline news all over. I am all for attention being drawn to this controversial development that is using our tax money to satisfy a few,but not at the expense or wellbeing of a human life, what about the masses who has no roof over their head etc and they say their is no money for human development.
Republic of Hout Bay, wrote
We voted them in, we vote them out,, simple as making a cross, Carlisle, you not going to be around when the next election comes.. start packing your bags,, you starting to sound like an ANC Cadre now,, fuming over the free press..have you read Animal Farm Carlisle?
The Utha Fella, wrote
HE HE HE get a life woman, Does she really think they are going to stop building just because one woman decided to hunger strike...really now please...
Diane, wrote
Yay Bronwen! Show those politicians that the people who put them in power expect to be listened to. This isn't just about the view, Biff. It's about misdirecting the taxpayer's money. I say cancel the office block and spend that money on houses for Imizamo Yethu.
Dave, wrote
Robin Carlisle I hope you are proud of yourself. Are you able to look people in the eyes and say "I listened to the people who put me in power and did everything I could possible do to ensure their voices were heard and no injustices done". Everyone hates you, your career as a politician is over. You have disgraced yourself and your party. Then again, that seems to be the sole objective of politicians in this country. Put the building up and Im sure someone will simply burn it down. I hope so anyway.. Go and retire retard....
ric, wrote
Biff, at least she is standing up for something. I'm sure there is somebody else involved with those other issues you mention. Seeing you have had such hardships in life which one are you standing up for? It's good to hear of people doing things like this for the smaller matters as it gives us perspective so. Try not to be so negative about somebody trying to something positive.
CAN WE ALL JOIN, wrote
CALLING ON ALL CAPE TOWNIANS OPPOSING THE CONTRUCTION TO JOI FORCES ON SATURDAY AT THE SITE FOR A HUNGER STRIKE!!!
Jay, wrote
Noble. But ultimately useless, I'm afraid. There is very little power left in hunger strikes
Dick Long, wrote
LK, wrote
Biff, wrote
“A 60 year throws a NIMBY tantrum.” What a sheltered and privileged life she must live. In a country where injustices involving children, the elderly and poor, a few metres of land obscuring ones view is hardly a high moral cause. While striking, why not skip a meal for the neglected children who miss them daily.
Dave , wrote
Anonymous, wrote
"Pave paradise to put up a parking lot". Its disgusting what humans do for self enrichment!! I applaud this lady!!!!
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