Latest news with #GeordinHillLewis
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Activist, diplomat and ex-Cape Town mayor Theresa Solomon dies aged 79
The City of Cape Town has paid tribute to former mayor and anti-apartheid activist Theresa Solomon, who died on Monday evening surrounded by her family at the age of 79. 'Former mayor Solomon will be remembered for her dedication to justice and activism, which brought about meaningful change, especially on the Cape Flats, where she played a pivotal role in establishing civic organisations to campaign for amenities in the wake of forced removals in the 1970s, including schools, hospitals and police stations,' said mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. ' As a mother, activist and leader, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.' Solomon was born in 1945 in District Six and served as mayor of Cape Town from 1996 to 1998, later also serving as South Africa's high commissioner to Tanzania and Canada. Solomon was a founding member of NPO the Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective. 'Fondly known as Mom T or T, Theresa dedicated her life to the struggle for justice and equality,' said the NPO. 'The Solomon family moved to Woodlands in 1979, where she was involved in numerous campaigns such as the bus boycott, advocating for a school in Tafelsig and opposing rent increases. She was instrumental in community activism with the establishment of the Leadwood Creche and the Woodlands People's Centre. 'Theresa went on to become Cape Town's first black female mayor and later served as South Africa's [high commissioner in] Canada as well as a term as [high commissioner in] Tanzania.' TimesLIVE
News24
26-06-2025
- News24
Man accused of threatening Ramaphosa, Cape Town mayor referred for psychiatric evaluation
Phillip Sebole Masango, who is accused of threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, has been referred to Valkenberg Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. The 28-year-old appeared calm during his court appearance on Thursday. Masango, who also faces assault charges, was arrested in Germiston following a Hawks investigation. The man accused of threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis will spend the next 30 days at Valkenberg Hospital for observation. This after a brief report on 28-year-old Phillip Sebole Masango's mental health was submitted to the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Thursday. Masango appeared calmer in court on Thursday compared to his demeanour at his last appearance, where he had angrily rejected family members' claims that he may have a mental disorder. At Thursday's appearance, State advocate Mujaahid Sadan told the court Masango should undergo a 30-day mental health evaluation. Masango attempted to address the court, pulling out two pages and what looked like a business card from his pocket. But he was denied the opportunity to speak. His attorney later took the documents from him. The contents were not read in court. Neither were the full details of the report. The defence did not oppose the request for a psychiatric referral. Masango remains in custody and is expected back in court on 25 July, coinciding with the completion of his psychiatric assessment. He is accused of sending threatening voice notes in May 2025, in which he allegedly incited violence and threatened to kill Ramaphosa and Hill-Lewis. He also faces assault charges related to incidents involving three people, including former radio personality Kieno Kammies. Masango was arrested in Germiston and transported to Cape Town. The Hawks' Crimes Against the State unit took over the case, following a complaint by an unnamed Cape Town-based CEO who he had also allegedly threatened. A court order prohibiting the publication of Masango's face remains in place.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Landmark decision in Cape Town as 150 Buitengracht project approved
The City of Cape Town has officially approved the 150 Buitengracht development by Flyt Property Investment – a milestone project that has become a model for heritage-sensitive urban renewal. 'This is a positive and important milestone,' said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. 'It shows how collaboration can shape a more inclusive and heritage-aware Cape Town.' This brings to a close a rigorous multi-year process marked by extensive design revisions, heritage considerations, and community collaboration. Originally launched in 2021, the project has evolved significantly in response to public engagement, heritage concerns, and insights raised by the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association. Situated at 150 Buitengracht Street, the development lies adjacent to the culturally significant Bo-Kaap and the historic Auwal Masjid, which prompted heightened scrutiny and a high level of design sensitivity to preserve the integrity of the area. 'The engagement process reflects a remarkable effort by the facilitators, Bo-Kaap community representatives, and the developer,' said the City of Cape Town's Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT). 'It resulted in consensus on the form the development should take.' Preserving cultural integrity A facilitation process led by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) between 2022 and 2023 resulted in a substantial redesign, documented in a 63-page report dated 30 June 2023. The revised proposal reflects significant adjustments aimed at preserving the integrity of the Bo-Kaap's heritage while addressing community concerns. The City found the final design to be 'context-sensitive", striking a careful balance between modern urban renewal and the preservation of Cape Town's unique cultural and architectural heritage. 'This has been a long and rigorous process,' said Ryan Flowers, managing director of Flyt Property. 'But we are proud to have worked alongside the City, the Bo-Kaap community, and heritage bodies to ensure 150 Buitengracht honours its surroundings while adding value to the urban fabric of Cape Town.' Flyt Property Investment has committed to creating a thoughtfully designed mixed-use building that blends with its environment while meeting the needs of a modern, vibrant city. The project will feature: - 40 residential units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments - Ground-floor retail spaces, fostering a dynamic streetscape - A rooftop restaurant and entertainment area, offering panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city - Secure underground parking, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors The City of Cape Town praised the process in its final remarks, stating: 'The concerted and meaningful effort to accommodate residents' concerns has resulted in a context-sensitive development that both protects heritage and promotes sustainable development.' With final authorisations now confirmed and all appeals now concluded, construction of 150 Buitengracht is expected to commence later this year, with completion targeted for 2026. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Herald
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Cape Town mayor takes Ramaphosa and government to ConCourt
City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill Lewis has approached the Constitutional Court challenging government and President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Public Procurement Act which he claims will slow down service delivery and undermine the constitutional autonomy of local government. Hill-Lewis said the challenge in the apex court points out problems which render parliament's adoption of the bill unlawful. The bill was enacted in July 2024 with the Presidency announcing it complies with the stipulation in the constitution that 'contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective'. The Presidency at the time said national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented. The bill was intended to address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled corruption, including state capture. Previously, the legislation regulating procurement was said to be fragmented and constraining. Hill-Lewis pointed out that seven of nine provinces did not have lawful final mandates to vote on the bill in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). He added there were inadequate public participation timeframes and notice periods by provinces and the NCOP. There was also incorrect information in reports considered by the NCOP and National Assembly and the Assembly failed to consult on changes to chapter 4, did not consider all public comments and failed to comply with the rules for introducing a bill. 'We believe this [act] should be invalidated due to fatal shortcomings in public participation and parliament's procedures. Beyond these issues, it is vital that any new consideration of the [act] takes into account the huge red tape burden it will place on local government and the unconstitutional interference it permits in municipalities. 'At a local level, we often have to procure fast to respond to urgent water, sanitation, electrical, waste and environmental issues. This [act] impedes the ability to respond swiftly to local needs by introducing more red tape to complicate procurements. This inefficiency will have a direct effect on service delivery to residents.'
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Cape Town mayor takes Ramaphosa and government to ConCourt
City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill Lewis has approached the Constitutional Court challenging government and President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Public Procurement Act which he claims will slow down service delivery and undermine the constitutional autonomy of local government. Hill-Lewis said the challenge in the apex court points out problems which render parliament's adoption of the bill unlawful. The bill was enacted in July 2024 with the Presidency announcing it complies with the stipulation in the constitution that 'contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective'. The Presidency at the time said national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented. The bill was intended to address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled corruption, including state capture. Previously, the legislation regulating procurement was said to be fragmented and constraining. Hill-Lewis pointed out that seven of nine provinces did not have lawful final mandates to vote on the bill in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). He added there were inadequate public participation timeframes and notice periods by provinces and the NCOP. There was also incorrect information in reports considered by the NCOP and National Assembly and the Assembly failed to consult on changes to chapter 4, did not consider all public comments and failed to comply with the rules for introducing a bill. 'We believe this [act] should be invalidated due to fatal shortcomings in public participation and parliament's procedures. Beyond these issues, it is vital that any new consideration of the [act] takes into account the huge red tape burden it will place on local government and the unconstitutional interference it permits in municipalities. 'At a local level, we often have to procure fast to respond to urgent water, sanitation, electrical, waste and environmental issues. This [act] impedes the ability to respond swiftly to local needs by introducing more red tape to complicate procurements. This inefficiency will have a direct effect on service delivery to residents.'
