City Secures Court Interdict to Shield MyCiTi Projectfrom Extortion Threats in Philippi

Cape Town – 1 July 2025

The City of Cape Town has scored a critical legal victory in its fight to protect the MyCiTi bus infrastructure project in Philippi from extortion and criminal intimidation, after the Western Cape High Court today reinstated an interim interdict against individuals and groups accused of trying to derail the project.

The interdict, effective until 21 April 2026, prohibits anyone from threatening City officials or contractors, or attempting to disrupt construction along Govan Mbeki Road. Violators face arrest.

“The City will not give in to attempts by any individual or grouping to extort business and work opportunities, or to hijack our projects,” said Councillor Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility. “There is only one way to benefit from the available opportunities at any City project – and that is by following the legal and transparent route. We will not deviate from it.”

The latest court order comes after the original interim interdict was granted on 3 June 2025, following death threats and intimidation directed at City staff and the contractor’s personnel. Today’s reinstatement was prompted by the respondents—including the Philippi Business Forum and Crossroads Business Forum—failing to file answering affidavits explaining why the interdict should not be made permanent.

Over recent weeks, the City has faced escalating threats and disinformation campaigns by self-proclaimed “activists” linked to business forums, who have allegedly sought to dictate how employment and business opportunities are awarded on the MyCiTi project.

Councillor Quintas condemned these actions, warning of their serious implications. “Their actions hold serious consequences, and pose real threats to public safety and the delivery of essential services,” he said.

The City clarified that:

• All project-related opportunities are allocated through rigorous, transparent processes to ensure equal access for all qualifying local businesses and jobseekers.
• Attempts to bypass or distort these processes are both unlawful and unfair to the broader community.
• The interdict does not prevent lawful participation in the project; it only targets those using threats, violence, or sabotage.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to submit profiles for consideration via designated boxes at Subcouncil offices.

“I call on the public and the media to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation. False claims designed to stoke division and derail progress do not serve the interests of the communities who will benefit from the roll-out of the MyCiTi bus service,” Quintas added.

The City has reaffirmed its commitment to proceeding with the project safely and lawfully, determined to ensure communities in Philippi and surrounding areas receive improved public transport services without interference from criminal elements.