Khayelitsha Imbizo: Tensions rise over housing and service delivery issues

Tempers flared at OR Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha during a tense community Imbizo hosted by Ndifuna Ukwazi in partnership with other civil society groups.

The event, intended to foster dialogue between residents and public officials, quickly descended into chaos as frustrated residents demanded accountability for persistent housing and service delivery failures.

The atmosphere turned hostile when residents interrupted and eventually forced the City's mayoral committee member for finance, Siseko Mbandezi, off the stage before he could complete his address.

His speech, which focused on the City of Cape Town's service delivery achievements over recent years, was met with chants and heckling from an audience demanding more direct answers about local development.

Mr Mbandezi said: “I was here to share the progress the City has made, including ongoing projects, but when I mentioned land development in Woodstock and Salt River, people got agitated. The invitation I received was to speak on the City’s overall progress, not specifically on Khayelitsha.”

He rejected accusations of corruption: “Firstly, they accused us of stealing money. I have never stolen a cent or been involved in any corrupt act. Someone even claimed we live luxurious lives at the Waterfront. The decent thing to do would’ve been to let me finish and then engage with the points I raised. How can I answer questions if I’m chased off the stage?”

Mr Mbandezi also criticised the tone of the event, describing it as overtly hostile. 

However, organisers defended the nature of the Imbizo. Keamogetswe Seipato, campaigns lead at My Vote Counts, said the aim was accountability, not personal attacks.

“Our goal was to create a space for genuine dialogue,” Ms Seipato explained.

“If someone took criticism personally, they need to reflect on why. Residents weren’t calling councillors thieves, they were expressing frustration at a failing democratic process.”