Urgent call from Hillview residents: Address safety hazards at Italy Sports Field

The Hillview Residents’ Association (HRA) has called on City authorities and councillors to address long-standing safety hazards, overgrown public spaces, and rising violence at Italy Sports Field in the Hillview informal settlement, next to Lavender Hill.

On Wednesday, February 4, ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr met with residents to conduct a site visit at the sports field. This was after the HRA handed a memorandum to Ms Marr by the HRA on Friday, January 23, to which the councillor responded on Friday, January 30, offering a site visit.

However, residents remain doubtful about what they describe as “empty promises” made by the City of Cape Town. “We have not been given direct answers to the issues,” said HRA secretary Fatima January.

The field is overgrown with reeds and grass, creating hazards including snakes, pests, and poor visibility, while ongoing gang activity adds to safety concerns. Poor lighting also makes the area unusable after dark. 

“The overgrowth and neglect are putting our children at risk,” said Cheryl Jochoms, chairperson of the HRA and a Hillview resident of more than 26 years. “We cannot wait any longer — it’s time for action.”

The HRA has demanded urgent mowing, maintenance, and proper lighting, as well as a rescheduled community meeting with city officials.

Ms Jochoms said streetlights in the area were not working and crime is common in the early mornings. “People get robbed, bodies could be lying behind the bushes, and you can’t see approaching taxis,” she said.

Despite repeated complaints, residents say public spaces remain poorly maintained. “Development is happening around us, but not for us,” Ms Jochoms added. “We are like the forgotten residents. City authorities need to listen to the people on the ground.”

The community also faces social challenges, particularly around youth safety. Ms Jochoms highlighted local initiatives that feed more than 300 children and host events for Youth Day, Heritage Day, and Reconciliation Day.

“Fear is everywhere,” she said. “If everyone stays in their comfort zone, who will fight for our kids?”

Ms Marr confirmed that reeds are trimmed twice a year and that coordination between departments is ongoing, but residents remain frustrated by delays.

“We recently conducted a site visit at Italy Sports Field with officials to address concerns regarding mowing, reeds, and lighting,” Ms Marr said. “The reeds are scheduled to be cut twice a year, with the next cut due in February. While this is a standard schedule, we will ensure it is maintained moving forward.”

On the issue of lighting, Ms Marr said the City was awaiting quotations before determining the next step. “I am meeting with representatives in two weeks to discuss lighting for the area still managed by City sports and recreation. Once quotations are received, we will move forward with installation,” she said.

Field maintenance will be coordinated between Parks, Sports and Recreation, and Green Jobs. “An on-site meeting is being scheduled with parks, solid waste, and sports andrecreation to clarify responsibilities, as the field currently falls under multiple departments, which has caused confusion about accountability,” Ms Marr said.

The councillor also addressed the retention pond - an artificial pond designed to permanently hold water - which is maintained twice a year. “The pond is scheduled for maintenance in February, with March being the latest. We will continue to adhere to this schedule,” Ms Marr said.

Ms Marr noted that part of the field is earmarked for housing as part of the Overcome Heights development, although a portion will remain for sports. “The involvement of Human Settlements and Sports and Recreation across different areas complicates management, but we are actively coordinating across departments to address the community’s concerns,” she said.

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