Cape Town: The Community Services and Health Directorate is planning a range of projects over the next 12 months. The top 25 account for approximately 60% of the available budget, with cemetery upgrades leading the charge. The community facilities are set to make an investment of more than R300 million.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the City of Cape Town’s Budget of Hope for 2025 will enhance access to critical services like homelessness support, recreational spaces, and community libraries. While it also ensures that the parks and public spaces are welcoming and functional for all Cape Town residents.
Reportedly, the R45 million cemeteries upgrade project is the single biggest capital project. Cemeteries planned for expansion of burial capacity include Kuils River, Welmoed and Rusthof.
The planned capital spend is part of a five-year plan to increase burial capacity in Cape Town by 100,000 (double burials/reopening of family graves) through the development of new cemeteries and the expansion of existing ones.
An additional R10.7 million will be spent at Maitland Crematorium on the installation of an additional oversized cremator, minor aesthetic improvements to the existing crematorium, mausoleum, parking and other ancillary building elements.
City of Cape Town Health’s flagship projects for 2025 financial year are upgrades to the Matthew Goniwe and Tafelsig Clinics, totalling R21.4 million, while the Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department will invest just over R4 million a piece on the development of a new Safe Space in Kuils River, and the upgrades at Culemborg One Safe Space. Construction of the Kuils River site is set to begin towards the end of May 2026.
Councillor Francine Higham further added that there are so many exciting projects on the cards, and they will highlight progress as they go along. They want to continue to provide facilities that boost community pride and encourage everyone to help in protecting these investments by using them responsibly.