About the BSSC (Blaauwberg Spatial Security Committee)

Inception / History

Following the inception of the BSA, there was a need to create a separate workgroup to oversee the security of the project area, whilst the CDPI process was ongoing.

The Blaauwberg Spatial Security Committee began work in March 2023 and held its first full meeting on 23 April 2023. The BSSC reports to and is funded by the BSA and meets every month.

Although the BSSC has a remit for the security for the wider Blaauwberg area, the primary focus is on the large 277 hectare piece of land called ERF 1117, known locally as Happy Valley.

Historically, there have been real concerns from the local community regarding the illegal occupation of ERF1117. Large vacant areas of land are at risk from land-invasions; so one of the primary roles is to try and mitigate this threat.

The objectives of the BSSC, are

1. To oversee security of the wider Blaauwberg area as defined in the local SDF
2. To mitigate the threat and risk of land invasion through prevention and increased monitoring
3. Lay the foundations for the future security of the area

The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) are the land-owners of ERF 1117, not the City of Cape Town. Therefore, it was vitally important to bring all stakeholders to the table to achieve the objectives.

Some of the work completed so far, includes

• Built a working relationship with the appointed on-site security contractor.
• Geo-locating and mapping of all the illegal structures currently within ERF 1117, including Happy Valley
• Enhanced monitoring of ERF 1117 and the wider Blaauwberg area
• Installation of and management of security cameras with 24/7 off-site monitoring
• Implemented an emergency response plan to support security teams on the ground

This work would not have been made possible without the financial support of the local community, through donations to the BSA.

Committee members

The BSSC comprises of stakeholders who have a vested interest in the security of Blaauwberg area, including local residents from Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, Sunningdale and West Beach. There are also representatives from local businesses, the DPWI, security and network providers and the Tableview Community Police Forum.

Official documents link

• BSSC Public information folder

The CDPI [Community-Driven Planning Initiative] is our best chance of influencing how the project area including erf1117 and our beachfront gets developed. Please help us see this through to completion by making a contribution to the BSA.