Looking back at 2025

As we look back at 2025, it was a year that brought moments of progress, pain, and profound reflection for the community.

On Saturday, July 26, about 100 residents of New Horizon in Pelican Park staged a picket against City of Cape Town notices ordering the demolition of extensions to their RDP homes to make way for new pavements. The protest followed a petition signed by more than 300 community members, challenging the 60-day compliance notices that require formal building plan approval. Ward 67 councillor Gerry Gordon had previously met residents on Tuesday, June 3, to discuss the proposed pavement plan. (“Residents protest against demolition of home extensions,” August 6).

On Monday, May 5, residents of the 31-year-old Freedom Park informal settlement welcomed the start of construction, and they said they were not only happy to see their houses being built but also relieved about the temporary job opportunities for unemployed residents.

Four years earlier, the groundwork had been laid for new homes for the residents of Freedom Park (“Freedom Park upgrade finally begins”, Southern Mail, April 14, 2021). The informal settlement was set to be replaced with Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes. (“Housing project creates jobs in Freedom Park,” May 28). 

On Sunday, October 26, the Uniting Reformed Church Steenberg (URCSA) celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with a Thanksgiving service and community lunch, attended by congregation members and the Wynberg Presbytery.  (“URC Steenberg celebrates its golden jubilee this year,” November 26).

On Sunday, November 2, Embrace Life, founded in 2016, hosted a fun day to celebrate life and community spirit, at a fun-day,  at Zandvlei Resort, featuring games, dominoes, face-painting, and a bring-and-braai. The non-profit organisation empowers youth in Lavender Hill and surrounding areas. Founder Mark Blake, inspired by his own challenging upbringing, said the goal is to help people find purpose and celebrate life while they are still alive. (“Embrace Life: Giving hope and purpose to vulnerable youth,” November 26).

On Thursday, October 16, a double murder in which a 26-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were killed and two others injured, sparked residents and community leaders to call for urgent action to restore safety.

After weeks of violent attacks in Steenberg, proposed measures included deploying the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), reviving neighbourhood watches, and implementing youth skills programs to curb gang violence. Authorities confirmed the attack was gang-related, and community groups urged a special probe and SANDF support for police during the upcoming festive season. (“Urgent action needed to tackle gang violence in Steenberg,” October 22).

Tuesday, August 26, over 200 senior citizens marched from the Grand Parade to Parliament, demanding better service from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

They highlighted difficulties and poor treatment when accessing state pensions, with leaders like Pat Lee calling for respect, dignity, and an end to economic abuse affecting the elderly. (“Seniors rally for respect and improved services from SASSA at Parliament,” September 3).

On Tuesday, July 1, Shariefa Clark, 32, stepped into a new chapter as she became Pelican Park High School’s youngest and first female principal.

Appointed this term permanently, she aims to lead collaborative initiatives that empower and upskill students, building on her experience as acting deputy principal at Beacon Hill High and mentorship from former and current principals (“Pelican Park High appoints first woman principal with a vision for empowerment,” August 27).