City returns Luyolo Hall to Gugulethu community after ending eight-year occupation

12 August 2026

The City of Cape Town has successfully relocated the final families who had been residing in the Luyolo Community Hall in Gugulethu, ending an eight-year chapter and paving the way for the facility to once again serve the community for sport, youth development and public programmes.

‘For years, the City faced the difficult challenge of balancing two equally important responsibilities: protecting vulnerable families from homelessness while restoring a vital community asset that had been unavailable to residents for almost a decade. Following months of planning, engagement and coordination, that balance has now been achieved.

‘This is one of those moments that reminds us of what good government is meant to do. For eight years, families who had lost their homes through flooding lived in circumstances that were never intended to be permanent. At the same time, an entire community lost access to a facility that should have been filled with children playing sport, youth programmes, community meetings, and opportunities.

‘Many regarded this as an impossible situation with no workable solution and we refused to accept that. Instead of choosing between vulnerable families and the broader community, we worked towards a solution that respected both. Today, the families have been relocated to safe temporary accommodation while the community regains a public facility that belongs to everyone.

‘The City acknowledges that the relocation process required patience and cooperation from the affected families, community organisations and local stakeholders. The recently received letter of appreciation from the Gugulethu Sport Council reflects the significance of this achievement for local residents and recognises the collaborative effort that made it possible,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.

The Recreation and Parks Department has commenced the process to restore the facility, with purchase orders already generated for minor and major roof repairs. Cleaning is currently under way, after which a comprehensive assessment will determine the full scope of repairs required, including plumbing and electrical systems, doors, ablution facilities and other maintenance needs. The aim is to complete the necessary works and return Luyolo Hall to the community for its intended use as soon as possible.

‘Luyolo Hall is an important community facility, and for eight years the people of Gugulethu have been unable to use it for the purpose it was intended. We welcome the successful relocation of the remaining families, which now allows us to begin the work of restoring the hall. Our focus is on getting the facility repaired and back into full community use so that it can once again support sport, recreation, youth programmes and community activities. We look forward to returning this space to the people of Gugulethu,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The Human Settlements Directorate is also continuing to verify the status of the relocated families on the City’s Housing Needs Register to identify permanent housing opportunities available to them. Engagement with the families remains ongoing, while the City continues working with Eskom regarding electricity provision to the Bosasa Link Temporary Relocation area, which falls within Eskom’s supply area.

‘Our responsibility does not end with relocation. These families deserve permanent housing opportunities, and we remain committed to supporting them through that process. But today we also celebrate something important: a community has received back a space that belongs to its people, and families have moved into safer, more dignified accommodation.

‘This is what responsible government looks like. We tackle difficult problems that others have accepted for years, and we keep working until we find solutions that restore dignity, strengthen communities and improve people’s lives.

‘We thank the relocated families, the receiving community, the Gugulethu Sport Council, ward representatives, City officials and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project. The City also extends its appreciation to its dedicated officials and project teams whose professionalism, compassion and determination made this outcome possible.

‘The relocation of the families marks not the end of the journey, but the beginning of the next chapter. While the City works towards permanent housing solutions for the affected residents, the people of Gugulethu can look forward to seeing the Luyolo Community Hall restored as a vibrant hub for sport, recreation, youth development and community life,’ said Councillor Pophaim.