Council approves Atlantis Thusong Centre transaction with Western Cape Government for community benefit

21 August 2026

This week, the City Council formally approved the decision to donate the Atlantis Thusong Centre to the Western Cape Provincial Government, a vital step that will enable various public services to continue to be delivered to the local community.

This follows an in-principle agreement between the two spheres of government which will see the provincial entity assume ownership, management and operation of the facility. The agreement would ensure that the property can continue to house the Department of Social Development’s services and be available for broader public services.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development intends to use the facility as a service delivery hub for the Atlantis community, accommodating both administrative offices and client consultation spaces. The facility will maintain a public-facing interface to ensure accessible and effective social welfare services for residents.

Importantly, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has confirmed that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will continue to operate from the premises, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical social assistance services for the community.

‘Our priority has always been to ensure that public assets are used in a manner that delivers the greatest benefit to communities. This donation represents an important step towards securing the continued use of the facility for essential social and public services, ensuring that the property continues to generate meaningful value for the residents of Atlantis.

‘I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to officials within the City’s Property Transactions Department in the Economic Growth Directorate, in the Western Cape Government, and to Atlantis residents for their efforts and input in diligently working towards this community-first solution,’ said Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers said, 'This transaction demonstrates how strategic intergovernmental collaboration can optimise public assets directly for the benefit of our people. By securing this property, we ensure that critical facilities are safeguarded, while the guarantee of SASSA’S continued presence gives the community certainty that essential social support services remain accessible under one roof.’ 

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander said, ‘This agreement gives our community certainty that essential services will not only continue, but will be strengthened. We are committed to keeping this centre a safe, accessible, and caring space where residents can access the social support they need.’

Although public participation is not a statutory requirement for the transfer of property between organs of state, both the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government recognise the significant public interest in this matter and remain committed to transparent communication throughout the process.

Following approval by the City Council, the transaction will proceed to the next phase, which includes the finalisation and signing of the Agreement of Donation between the City and the Western Cape Government, subject to the Western Cape Government completing its internal approval processes.

Thereafter, conveyancing attorneys will be appointed to facilitate the transfer process, culminating in the registration of the property in the Deeds Office.