The City of Cape Town has welcomed the decision by the Western Cape High Court to reinstate an interim interdict against extortionists and others who, it claims, are hell-bent on derailing its MyCiTi construction project along Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi. 

The interdict is effective until April 21, 2026, when the matter will be argued before the court. Any person threatening officials and contractors at the site or attempting to disrupt or delay the work will be arrested. 

The City obtained an interim order against the extortionists on June 3, 2025, after City officials and the contractor’s staff received death threats and were verbally intimidated.

Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the order was reinstituted after the respondents, among which were the Philippi Business Forum and Crossroads Business Forum, failed to present their answering affidavits to the Western Cape High Court on why the order should not be made permanent.

“I welcome this decision, and am relieved that the officials and contractor can continue their work at this site. The City will not give in to attempts by any individual or group to extort business and work opportunities, or to hijack our projects. There are lawful and transparent processes available to local businesses and residents from the affected wards to apply for the available opportunities that form part of this construction project,” Quintas said. 

He said those involved in the intimidation, death threats, and other disruptive tactics are well aware of the processes as they have been briefed at numerous public information days and during other engagements. 

“There is only one way to benefit from the available opportunities at any City project – and that is by following the legal and transparent route. This route ensures equal access to all. We will not deviate from it. I have only one message to these business forums and other individuals who are known to us: We will not tolerate criminality and extortion, neither will we bend over backwards to accommodate those who do,” Quintas said.

He said over the past weeks, self-proclaimed ‘activists’ within and other affiliated entities have engaged in intimidation, threats, and blatant misinformation campaigns in their efforts to dictate how and to whom employment opportunities are awarded.

“Their actions hold serious consequences and pose real threats to public safety and the delivery of essential services,” Quintas said. 

“For clarity: All opportunities are allocated according to a rigorous and transparent process, which ensures equal access for all qualifying businesses and job seekers in the project footprint.  Attempts to bypass or distort this process are not only unfair to others in the community, but also unlawful,” Quintas reiterated. 

He also reminded the broader community that: 

• The interdict does not prevent anyone from participating in the project. It only stops those who are trying to hijack it through threats, violence and sabotage
• The City continues to encourage all eligible businesses to submit their profiles via the clearly marked boxes at the Subcouncil Offices.
• Those who choose to follow the process fairly will find the City ready and willing to support their participation.

“I call on the public and the media to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation. False claims designed to stoke division and derail progress do not serve the interests of the communities who will benefit from the roll-out of the MyCiTi bus service to these areas. Residents are encouraged to contact the City for more information about how to participate and get regular updates on the project,” Quintas said.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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