On Monday, 4 August 2025, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers held the first of several ward-specific public meetings to brief affected communities on the progress of the Welmoed (Penhill) Housing Development, near Eerste River. The first meeting was held in ward 19.
The Welmoed development forms part of the Southern Corridor Integrated Human Settlements Programme, and will yield 3 296 housing opportunities, including mixed-use affordable housing and private development units. Beneficiaries will primarily be drawn from sub-council 14 and surrounding informal settlements, addressing a critical housing need in the area.
Minister Simmers remarked, “Residents in this area have waited a very long time for housing opportunities and I am pleased that we are seeing progress with regards to the Welmoed development.”
This development was, however, delayed due to unlawful occupation by self-proclaimed small-scale farmers, which resulted in drawn-out court processes. At the meeting in ward 19, residents were informed of the latest legal developments regarding the matter. In March this year, the Land Claims Court ruled that the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure could continue with site clearance and civil and electrical works in areas not already demarcated and occupied by the existing farmers in Phase 1.
“Those taking part in the unlawful occupation of land or buildings that are earmarked for housing development must realise that their actions deprive law-abiding citizens of their right to housing opportunities. We welcome the Land Claims Court’s ruling, handed down earlier this year. I see it as a victory for those residents who have been waiting many years for their rightful homes. The Western Cape Government remains committed to delivering homes in the Western Cape at scale and faster than ever before,” Minister Simmers concluded.
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