Housing committee elected as Rusthof construction begins soon

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17-04-2026
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NovaNews
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STRAND – Hope and optimism filled Strand Town Hall on Saturday (11 April) as representatives were elected to the Rusthof Housing Development’s Project Engagement Committee (PEC), with officials announcing construction beginning within a month.

The City of Cape Town allocated a budget of R84 million for the project, which is currently at tender phase. Construction starts with earthworks, followed by 363 housing units once river canalisation is complete, with completion expected by 2028.

The packed town hall brought beneficiaries from three wards, Ward 86 (Lwandle and parts of Nomzamo), Ward 100 (Gordon’s Bay and Strand) and Ward 85 (Nomzamo and Strand), together. Subcouncil proportional representatives Kurt Oliver and Judy-Ann Stevens attended alongside Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso.

Beneficiaries fill Strand Town Hall for the election of Project Engagement Committee representatives for the Rusthof housing project.

Family members of beneficiaries, the general public, forums and non-qualifying persons were excluded from the meeting. Nonzuzo Jacob, acting Subcouncil 8 manager, explained this was to ensure only beneficiaries would be selected for the PEC.

Mbuthokazi Kubashe (City public participation department), acting subcouncil 8 manager Nonzuzo Jacob, Nashieta Holtman and Wassema Williams prepare for the start of the Rusthof Housing Development PEC election meeting at Strand Town Hall.

Project manager Yumnah Amien, who was appointed six months ago, acknowledged that getting the project off the ground took longer than expected. She explained one of the main reasons was that residents of an informal settlement on the designated project site refused to relocate.

However, Amien confirmed construction would commence within a month for a duration of two years. “I hope the project will be a fruitful one,” she related.

Before the election commenced Mbuthokazi Kubashe of the City’s public participation department spoke to those in attendance about the importance of selecting the right representatives.

“The PEC is the link between the City and the community. If it fails the project fails,” she pointed out.

During the election Ward 100 residents raised concerns that some people might be ineligible to attend the meeting, saying “they know who lives in their community”.

Diniso explained that because housing applications had been made decades ago, applicants who originally applied in Rusthof may have since moved between the three wards.

Once this was resolved, the wards were divided and representatives were elected, with the entire beneficiary pool then selecting the six PEC members.

Subcouncil chairperson Chantal Cerfontein thanked officials for ensuring a fair process. “It shows that no matter which political party one represents, we can work together as a team for the greater good of our communities,” she said.

The elected representatives are: Nontsikelelo Bartman and Simphiwe Puthi (Ward 86); Beverly Damonse and Hannelise de Lange (Ward 100); and Liezel Williams and Alistair Robertson (Ward 85).

Newly elected PEC members who will represent beneficiaries throughout the construction of the Rusthof Housing Project.

Damonse expressed her delight at being elected. “We will lay the first brick and make sure the final stone is set,” she said.

The Broadlands Park resident, who has been a community leader for 30 years, said the community has grown tired of project leaders who are unable to fulfil their obligations.

Puthi, on the waiting list for more than 20 years, is ecstatic about the project. “It is time for us to do the right thing for all the beneficiaries,” he shared.

Stevens said projects such as this help alleviate Cape Town’s housing crisis.

The PEC will hold its first meeting this Saturday (18 April). Afterwards, the committee will meet with City officials for project updates monthly.