‘Convert stadium to low-cost housing’

Cape Town Stadium should be converted into low-cost houses, the Western Cape Congress of SA Trade Unions said on Monday.

“Cosatu has had discussions with engineers and architects who feel that it is possible to turn the stadium into low-cost housing for people in Cape Town,” provincial leader Tony Ehrenreich said.

“This represents an important opportunity to integrate black and white communities, which we should not miss out on.”

The city recently announced it was considering various options to make the R4.5 billion structure in Green Point sustainable.

Maintenance amounted to about R44m a year, with very few hiring activities taking place due to the cost of using the venue.

One proposal was to convert it into a commercial hub, but this had been met with resistance from residents, who did not want added noise and activity.

Ehrenreich said if public funds were being spent on the stadium, it should benefit the most vulnerable citizens.

“The community of Green Point, who does not want further commercial activities in the stadium, should support the plans to promote the building of affordable housing.” - Sapa