What is a CID?
Definition
A City Improvement District (CID) is a defined geographical area, such as the Table View region, where property owners contribute additional rates to fund "top-up" services like security patrols, street cleaning, and urban maintenance, as outlined in an approved Business Plan. This process is governed by the City of Cape Town's CID By-law.
Why establish a CID?
The Table View CID aims to enhance municipal services beyond the basic standards mandated by the South African Constitution (Sections 152 & 153), such as water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse removal. By establishing a CID, property owners in Table View can fund top-up services like increased security patrols along the beachfront, enhanced street cleaning in Marine Circle, and urban maintenance, ensuring a safer, cleaner, and more attractive community. These services are managed affordably and sustainably through a special rates levy, benefiting residents and businesses alike.
How is a CID established?
The Table View CID is initiated by community champions—property owners within the boundary north of Rietvlei Nature Reserve, west of Diep River or Gie Road, south of Parklands Main Road/Link Road, and including Marine Circle (Porterfield, Crasulla, Dolphin Dive, and Foam Roads). These champions, forming a Steering Committee, compile a five-year Business Plan and budget to fund improvements like security and cleaning. This plan is presented at a public meeting, followed by a process to gain 60%+1 property owner support and City of Cape Town approval, typically spanning 6-12 months. Contact info@tvcid.org.za for meeting details or to review the Business Plan.
Benefits for CID members
By pooling their resources in a CID, individual property owners can enjoy:
- Collective benefits of a well-managed area
- Shared sense of communal pride
- Enhanced safety and social responsibility
- Access to joint initiatives (waste recycling, energy-efficiency programs, etc.)
Financial Management
A CID is governed by the Companies Act (71 of 2008) and manages its own finances and appoints its own auditors. The audited financial statements form part of the City's consolidated accounts, which are reviewed by the Auditor-General.
Payment of Additional Rates
Once the City has approved a CID, the participation of all property owners within the boundaries is mandatory. The City collects the additional rates on behalf of the CID, which appears as a separate item on the monthly municipal account.
Benefits of a CID
Table View has long been considered a safe and secure suburb. Recent challenges however include an increase in crime, environmental and social concerns as well as poor service delivery. The CID model is based on an international practice that is aimed at preventing degeneration of cities urban decay. The model facilitates upliftment, economic growth and sustainable development. Forming a CID involves a comprehensive procedure as laid out in COCT guidelines which have to be followed meticulously.
Why establish a CID?
Financing a CID
Public Safety
Public safety related services will consist of five integrated subservices:
- 24-hour patrols
- Dedicated Law Enforcement Officers
- CCTV camera infrastructure
- Control Room Monitoring
- Community Safety App
Law Enforcement
The City of Cape Town has 116 wards and, as part of its Project 1000 initiative announced in July 2025, is deploying over 700 new Metro Police officers to enhance neighbourhood policing across the metro. This includes assigning five dedicated officers to each ward to boost visibility, rapid response, and community-focused law enforcement efforts, filling gaps left by under-resourced national police services.
City Improvement Districts (CIDs), allow property owners in designated precincts to fund and manage additional urban services through levies collected by the city. This model adds value by providing "top-up" security and law enforcement beyond standard municipal provisions, such as contracting private security patrols for 24/7 presence, integrating with public safety partners like the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City Law Enforcement, or utilizing the city's rent-a-cop program for extra dedicated officers.
Maintenance & Cleansing
The City of Cape Town provides essential maintenance and cleansing services across its 116 wards, including regular street sweeping, litter collection, and upkeep of public spaces to ensure a clean and functional urban environment.
A City Improvement District (CID) can add value by funding "top-up" services, such as additional street cleaning, graffiti removal, or enhanced landscaping, through levies collected from property owners. These efforts align with and complement the City's departments and local sub-council to deliver a higher standard of cleanliness and maintenance tailored to Table View's needs.
Environmental Development
The objectives of the Environmental Development Plan are to enhance and provide additional municipal services and to ensure that Table View is a clean, attractive, and well-maintained area we can all be proud of. We aim to achieve this by collaborating with residents and other organizations in Table View providing public services or initiatives in this space. The proposal covers the following:
- Green spaces and environmental initiatives
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of public spaces
- Community support and social outreach programs
Social and Economic Development
The City of Cape Town supports social and economic development through initiatives like the Street People Unit, which works to address homelessness by providing social services, outreach programs, and support for reintegration.
A City Improvement District (CID) can add value by funding "top-up" services, such as additional outreach programs, support for shelters, or community development projects, through levies collected from property owners. By aligning with the City's departments and local sub-council, these efforts aim to improve the well-being of Table View's community and foster a more inclusive environment.
