Cape Town auctions public land for R135 million amid a “no” from the public
SHARE POST:
Civil society organisations and the the GOOD Party held a “Hands off our lands” protest outside the Good Hope Centre on 25 February 2026. The protest was directed at the City of Cape Town’s auction of more than 50 public land parcels across the metropolitan area.
The properties included the Good Hope Centre precinct and sites in Mitchells Plain, Atlantis, Parow and Goodwood. The auction took place on 26 February. The Good Hope Centre was sold for R135 million.
The City stated that the disposals formed part of its asset management strategy. According to the administration, the objective was to release underutilised land, generate revenue and enable development.
Opposition groups argued that the sales prioritised short term revenue over long term public benefit. They stated that there had been insufficient public consultation before the auction.
Protest organisers marched from the Good Hope Centre to the Western Cape High Court. They called for greater transparency and sought legal clarity on the City’s obligations regarding public participation.
The Oedasoa Cochoqua Royal Kingdom called for the creation of a formal land forum. The group argued that communities had not been adequately included in decisions concerning the sale of land.
The episode reflected broader tensions over how public land was allocated in Cape Town.
Independent news and opinion from the Cape of Good Hope for readers who value good old common sense. We focus on what really matters in South Africa.
Interested in joining the movement? Find ways to get involved
GET NOTIFIED FOR NEW CONTENT
read more
What exactly is Foot-and-Mouth disease?
Terrain-theory medical blogger “Unbekoming” writes on the imprecision and irrationality of the global policy response
Alan Winde blames Trump for job losses. Is he right?
There is a limited extent to which foreign aid cuts have impacted the Province, but in the grand scheme, this claim has not been properly justified
Lvl 8 Orange storm warning for Garden Route
The cold front has triggered the second-highest storm warning category, and an already overstratched disaster budget will need to be extended
When Zille goes – how the DA is destined to be a leftist party
The past week has exposed divisions in the DA, between those who defend the liberal character of the party, and those who wish it to become more like the ANC
Why South Africa may be approaching another major constitutional change
South Africa’s liberal democratic order may be weakening as pressures push the country toward another constitutional shift.
BVA proposes solutions for Tokai High School
