MEDIA STATEMENT
26 July 2026
For Immediate Release
Al Jama-ah Seeks Transparency on the Use of City of Cape Town Council Chambers:
Al Jama-ah has today submitted a formal request for information to the City of Cape Town regarding the use of the Council Chambers and other municipal meeting facilities for political party events.
This enquiry follows concerns that, despite the City not holding physical Council meetings in the Council Chamber for well over a year, the facilities appear to have been used for events associated with the Democratic Alliance.
As elected representatives, councillors have a constitutional and statutory duty to ensure that public assets are administered lawfully, fairly, transparently, and in the best interests of all residents. Municipal facilities belong to the people of Cape Town, not to any political party.
Our enquiry seeks clarity on several important issues, including:
– Whether any political party has been permitted to use the Council Chamber or other Council-owned facilities over the past five years.
– Whether payment was made for such use and, if so, the amounts paid and the tariffs applied.
– If no payment was required, the legal authority, Council resolution, policy,
or delegation that authorised such use
– Whether equal access has been afforded to all political parties.
– The policies and tariffs governing the use of these public facilities.
This is not an allegation of wrongdoing against any political party or City official. It is a request for transparency and accountability. Where public resources are utilised, the public is entitled to know that they are being managed in accordance with the law, approved policies, and the principles of good governance.
It is particularly important that public confidence is maintained by ensuring there is no perception that municipal resources are being used to benefit one political party over another.
Al Jama-ah believes that transparency strengthens democracy. If the use of these facilities has been entirely lawful and in accordance with approved policies, the requested information will provide that assurance. If policies require clarification or improvement, those matters should also be addressed openly.
We now await the City’s response and will carefully consider the information provided. Should the response reveal any concerns regarding compliance with applicable policies or legislation, Al Jama-ah will pursue the appropriate oversight mechanisms available to Council.
Public assets belong to all the people of Cape Town and must be managed with fairness, accountability, and complete transparency.
Issued by:
Councillor Shameemah Salie
Al Jama-ah Councillor
City of Cape Town