‘Apartheid Wall’ in Pinelands irks Tony

According to Ehrenreich, the provincial secretary for the Congress for South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the wall, along Jan Smuts Drive, violates people’s right to movement in a wealthy area, “predominantly occupied by white people”.

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille also stays in the area.

An informal settlement is located on the opposite side of the road near the Ndabeni train station.

“The residents of Pinelands were given permission by the City of Cape Town to erect an apartheid-style wall to keep out black people,”claims Cosatu’s Ehrenreich.

“This wall violates and infringes people’s right to movement and only certain people have a key to use the gate installed along it.

“This is clearly discriminatory and is endorsed and supported by De Lille who lives in the area.

RESIDENT: Patricia de Lille Photo: Tracey Adams

“This wall/ fence is opposite the Old Mutual building in Pinelands and has been in existence since De Lille moved into the Council. Cosatu calls for the removal of the fence and the restoration of the freedom of movement of all people in the area.”

But spokesperson to De Lille, Zara Nicholson says: “The fence was not put up by the mayor or the City of Cape Town, but by Old Mutual. It has been there since 2009. Did he not see the fence then?

“Also if he has ever been inside Pinelands, he will know there are many people of colour who live there. The fencing off has nothing to do with the mayor or her living there.”