Article re-cap
- Forty thousand middle-income ratepayers in Bloubergstrand are protesting against City inaction on illegal buildings.
- Charles Rudman, working for Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, admitted that an engineering form for the property at 94 Daniell Road had been forged.
- A High Court order granted by Justice Rosheni Allie on January 28, 2021, prohibited letting out the property at 94 Daniell Road until a land use application was approved.
Forty thousand middle-income ratepayers in Bloubergstrand are protesting against City inaction on illegal buildings, following allegations of forged engineering certificates and cover-ups within the municipal planning structures.
According to a report by Daily Maverick, Charles Rudman, working for Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, admitted on June 28, 2024, that an engineering form for the property at 94 Daniell Road had been forged. Rudman’s office is located in the City of Cape Town.
The email was sent to Garron Gsell, chairperson of the Tijgerhof Residents Association, and Robert McGaffin, the executive director of the spatial planning and environment directorate. The report highlighted that such infringements were not unusual within the large municipality.
A High Court order granted by Justice Rosheni Allie on January 28, 2021, prohibited letting out the property at 94 Daniell Road until a land use application was approved; otherwise, a demolition order could be sought. The ruling stipulated that if refused, the City would approach the court for a demolition order.
In October 2025, Mubesko Africa issued a 16-page report to Bouwe van der Eems, chairperson of the Milnerton Central Residents Association (MCRA), confirming a June 2021 land use application rejection. Despite this, the City of Cape Town did not pursue a demolition order as established by Justice Allie’s ruling.
Mubesko Africa’s investigation revealed that site visits in early 2025 showed the illegal buildings remained standing; this prompted further scrutiny of the forged engineering certificate, which became central to uncovering alleged corruption.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main cause of the protest in Bloubergstrand?
The ratepayers are protesting against the City of Cape Town’s inaction regarding illegal buildings, fueled by allegations of forged engineering certificates and cover-ups within the municipal planning structures. This highlights a significant lack of oversight and enforcement within the municipality.
Who admitted to forging an engineering certificate?
Charles Rudman, who was working for Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, confessed that an engineering form for the property at 94 Daniell Road had been fraudulently created. This admission is central to the allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the City’s planning processes.
What legal action was taken against the property at 94 Daniell Road?
A High Court order, issued by Justice Rosheni Allie on January 28, 2021, prohibited letting out the property until a land use application was approved. The ruling stipulated that if refused, the City would pursue a demolition order, demonstrating a previous attempt to address the illegal development.
What did Mubesko Africa’s report reveal?
Mubesko Africa's investigation confirmed a June 2021 land use application rejection and revealed that site visits in early 2025 showed the illegal buildings remained standing, prompting further scrutiny of the forged engineering certificate. This ultimately became central to uncovering alleged corruption.
Which organizations were involved in the initial reporting?
The Daily Maverick reported on the situation, and emails were sent to Garron Gsell, chairperson of the Tijgerhof Residents Association, and Robert McGaffin, the executive director of the spatial planning and environment directorate. These individuals were key recipients of information regarding the illegal building issue.
When was the High Court order issued?
A High Court order prohibiting letting out the property at 94 Daniell Road was granted by Justice Rosheni Allie on January 28, 2021. This legal action represented an initial attempt to control the illegal development within Bloubergstrand.
Source: dailymaverick.co.za
