FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 February 2026
Today, as the global community marks NGO World Day, the Civil Society Unmuted Coalition reaffirms the vital role that non-profit organisations and grassroots formations play in deepening democracy, advancing equality, and protecting community-centered development.
Tomorrow, we will proudly join thousands in the streets for Cape Town Pride a celebration of dignity, diversity, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Pride remains both a celebration and a protest: a reminder that human rights must be protected in practice, not only in principle.
It is in this dual moment of reflection and celebration that we acknowledge, with concern, that the iconic Good Hope Centre was officially auctioned on 26 February 2026 by the City of Cape Town for R135 million.
For decades, the Good Hope Centre has served as more than infrastructure it has been a people’s venue. It has hosted community dialogues, youth programmes, religious gatherings, cultural events, exhibitions, civil society assemblies, and moments of collective solidarity. For many communities, especially those historically marginalised, it symbolised accessibility and inclusion within the city.
The auctioning of this public asset raises serious questions about the future availability of affordable, accessible public spaces in Cape Town. As civil society organisations, we are deeply concerned about the long-term social implications of reducing public infrastructure that has historically served community needs.
On this NGO World Day, we emphasise:
- Public assets must prioritise public benefit.
- Community consultation must be meaningful, transparent, and proactive.
- Development must balance economic value with social impact.
- Democratic governance requires inclusive decision-making processes.
On Cape Town Pride, we stand firmly in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and all movements advocating for justice and equality. Access to safe and inclusive public spaces is not symbolic it is essential to freedom of expression and assembly.
The Civil Society Unmuted Coalition confirms that our Deputy Secretary General, Bandile Mdlalose, together with members of our Western Cape structures, will join the Cape Town Pride march in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and in defense of inclusive civic space.
We call on the City of Cape Town to:
- Provide full transparency regarding the auction process and future plans for the site.
- Guarantee continued access to affordable public venues for community organisations.
- Engage civil society in constructive dialogue regarding the preservation of civic spaces in the city.
Civil society remains unmuted.
We will continue to advocate, mobilise, and defend participatory democracy!
ISSUED BY: CIVIL SOCIETY UNMUTED COALITION SOUTH AFRICA (CSUCSA)
CYNTHIA CHISHIMBA
NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON
FOR ENQUIRIES:
BANDILE MDLALOSE
DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL
CSUCSA
Mob: 063 807 7244
Email:
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