Residents of the South Peninsula in Cape Town are being called to comment on the City of Cape Town’s draft Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for Masiphumelele and surrounding areas.

The municipality says the LSDF proposes a development vision and framework to manage urban growth in a sustainable manner, considering current challenges such as the encroachment of the wetlands area, the dire need for housing opportunities and improved access routes; the lack of public open spaces and recreation areas; facilities provision, and local economic opportunities for residents.

Masiphumelele was established in 1992 with an initial 500 households. It is now estimated to have a population of more than 38 000 people with 90% living in informal structures with a lack of proper access routes, housing, facilities, and public open spaces.

The draft LSDF identifies numerous challenges faced by the informal settlement including severe overcrowding, high densities, and a growing backlog in social facilities and services provision. Masiphumelele also poses a high risk of fire and given the encroachment of the wetlands area, many of the informal structures are flood prone.

The City also says there is limited public and private land available for development whereby the municipality owns about 25% of the land in Masiphumelele, most of which is wetlands, parks, or intended schools.

However, the draft LSDF also recognises numerous development opportunities in Masiphumelele due to its proximity to industrial areas such as Lekker Water and Fish Eagle Park.

The draft LSDF for Masiphumelele and surrounding areas is available for comment until the 21^st of October 2025 via the City of Cape Town’s website.