Cape Town mayoral debate: Housing, crime and racism claims dominate

At an IOL debate at Cape Town’s Portside Building on Thursday, deputy mayor Eddie Andrews of the DA faced criticism from seven rival parties over housing, crime and allegations of racism ahead of the November 4 local elections. GOOD mayoral candidate Brett Herron said the policy allowing affordable rental units in 194 designated neighbourhoods entrenched apartheid-era spatial divisions. Andrews denied that the DA was racist and defended the programme, saying it responds to informality and that rents are controlled. Opponents also challenged the proposed N2 safety wall and the newly launched SWAT unit, while Andrews said Cape Town had created more affordable housing opportunities than any other metro.