Pollsmoor Estate land sale: A deliberate distortion by the DA and Cape Argus

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

The SACP in the Western Cape has noted with grave concern the overzealous attempt by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to further its individualist-accumulation agenda to society by distorting recent statements made by the Department of Public Works.

The Cape Argus recently published an article compiled by Ms Daneel Knoetze proclaiming that "The Department of Public Works is considering selling the Pollsmoor Prison estate, which is set among some of the country's most expensive properties" (Friday 27 June 2014). This "matter-of-fact" proclamation as if the Department has already concluded this perceived "consideration" demands further scrutiny.

The above statement represents an attempt to besmirch the reputation of the Department of Public Works by manipulating public opinion on allegations that the Department is considering selling land on which Pollsmoor Prison is situated.

As a measure to dispel the mischievousness of the DA and its attempt to link a feasibility study with an unsubstantiated claim of the sale of "prime land" and the irrelevant opinions of a real estate agent, the SACP in the Western Cape would like to highlight the following inaccuracies contained in this bizarre article and desperate attempt of the DA to scupper political points.

Firstly, feasibility studies and the subsequent disposal of the land may be interpreted in many ways. The DA's attempt to confine this statement by the Department of Public Works to selling of land is indicative of the narrow politicking perpetually practiced by the DA. It is not surprising that the DA has jumped its guns on the interpretation of this statement. Is the DA making use of this statement as an attempt to appease and serve the bourgeoning interests of its horse riding, mountain biking and gated community constituency residing in the area by jumping on the band wagon of this statement?

Secondly, the disposal of the land, once the lengthy process of the feasibility study is completed, does not in any way translate into the sale of the land, this part of the statement, again can be interpreted in many ways. The fact that James Selfe, a senior DA leader has initiated this furore masking it as a noble crusade of the opposition in terms of the regulatory process of the sale, before anything of the sort has even been considered indicates a worrying trend of the DA's list of priorities.

Perhaps James Selfe, representing the DA should be focussing on the needs of the poor in the Western Cape and not salivating over "prime land" in collusion with capital.

The SACP in the Western Cape therefore condemns this malicious distortion. We are not however surprised that the DA has taken this approach, aided in this instance by the media. This serves as further proof that the interests of the wealthy outweigh the dire needs of the poor in Western Cape in relation to the DA's priority of class needs.

Moreover, whilst the Premier of the Western Cape paints a picture of integrated development, the reality of the situation in the plush oasis's of gated communities is something in contrast.

The SACP therefore wishes to emphasise its comprehension that sincere and real integration and not cosmetic rhetoric is key in bridging the class-race divide so evident in the province.

Statement issued by Masonwabe Sokoyi, SACP Western Cape Provincial Spokesperson, July 1 2014

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