City and Western Cape Government partner to secure the future of the Atlantis Thusong Centre

The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government have reached an in-principle agreement on the proposed future arrangement for the Atlantis Thusong Centre, ensuring that the facility remains a public asset dedicated to serving the community. Read more below:

For many years, the centre has served as a vital community hub, providing residents with access to a range of essential government and social services in one convenient location. Under the proposed agreement, the City intends to donate the property to the Western Cape Government, which would assume ownership, management and operation of the facility. The centre would continue to house the Department of Social Development’s services while remaining available for broader public benefit.

The proposed transaction between the two spheres of government will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the facility, safeguard access to essential services, and create opportunities to expand social development programmes for the residents of Atlantis.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos, noted that this in-principle agreement reflects a shared commitment to putting communities first.

‘From the outset, our priority has been to ensure that the Atlantis Thusong Centre continues to serve the people of Atlantis. I am therefore pleased that we have been able to reach an in-principle understanding with the Western Cape Government regarding the City’s proposed donation of this property, enabling it to continue delivering and expanding vital social development services from this facility.

‘This is a practical example of different spheres of government working together in the public interest. Rather than disposing of the property for commercial purposes, we have chosen a solution that safeguards its public purpose and provides certainty for the community well into the future. I have worked closely with my provincial counterparts to help drive this outcome because our focus has always been clear: protecting access to essential services while creating greater social and economic opportunities for the people of Atlantis,’ said Alderman Vos.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, highlights the importance of community services.

‘For our department, infrastructure is a powerful vehicle for restoring dignity and driving positive community transformation. There is no greater expression of this mission than safeguarding a secure, accessible space that protects and supports the most vulnerable members of our society.

‘This in-principle agreement is a tangible demonstration of our joint commitment to using public assets for the greatest benefit of our citizens. The Department of Infrastructure is committed to the long-term preservation and maintenance of the Atlantis Thusong Centre, ensuring it remains a safe, well-maintained and high-quality facility that continues to serve the community for years to come,’ said Simmers.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, said, ‘When we held First Thursday with the Premier and Mayor in Atlantis, residents highlighted the need for improved access to government services. This in principle agreement is a direct response to that call.

‘We welcome this partnership with the City of Cape Town, which enables the Department of Social Development to continue and strengthen its service offering from the Atlantis Thusong Centre. This proposed transfer ensures that the facility will remain an accessible hub where residents can receive the support and services they need.

‘When different spheres of government work together towards a common goal, we can achieve far more for the people we serve. We also encourage Atlantis residents to make full use of the services available and to partner with us in protecting and caring for this valuable community asset,’ said Londt.

The proposed transaction has also received the support of the relevant subcouncil. The proposed transfer will now proceed through the required intergovernmental and administrative approval processes, including the preparation of the necessary legal documentation and compliance with all statutory requirements.

Although public participation is not a statutory requirement for the transfer of property between organs of state, both the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government recognise the significant public interest in this matter and remain committed to transparent communication throughout the process.

Further updates will be provided as key milestones are reached.