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Five parties clash over housing and crime in Cape Town debate

Published

Empty debating chamber with rows of wooden benches and a long table facing forward.

Opposition parties accused the DA of failing poorer communities in a CapeTalk debate held a day before the local government elections. The DA defended its record in Cape Town, and parties also argued over possible coalitions.

The debate brought together the DA, ANC, EFF, GOOD and the National Coloured Congress (NCC). Lester Kiewit moderated it. Parties discussed the housing crisis, gangsterism, policing and service delivery.

Francine Higham of the DA said the city had invested more than R40 billion in infrastructure over five years, with more spending planned. She also said suspects return to communities soon after arrest, and that residents live in fear.

Carl Niehaus of the EFF said the DA had upheld divisions in Cape Town after 20 years in control of the City. He said: "The answer to crime is socioeconomic development." Brett Herron of GOOD said boots on the ground are not solving crime.

NCC leader Fadiel Adams said backyard dwellers in coloured communities are being overlooked. Opposition parties also said the DA is wrong to warn of a "coalition of chaos". ANC mayoral candidate Jerimia Thuynsma also took part.

Key facts

Who
Lester Kiewit (CapeTalk moderator of the pre-election debate); Brett Herron (GOOD representative); Carl Niehaus (EFF representative); Francine Higham (DA representative)
What
CapeTalk moderated a final pre-election debate, a day before local government elections, in which parties debated Cape Town's housing crisis, gangsterism, policing, service delivery and possible coalitions. Opposition parties accused the DA of failing poorer communities, and the DA defended its record.
When
3 November 2026
Where
Cape Town, Green Point, Cape Flats
Status
Reported

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