Plato: Cape Town won't allow private organisations to limit access to public spaces

This follows an incident where beach-goers say they were told to leave Clifton Fourth beach on Sunday, allegedly by security officers from the company Professional Protection Alternatives (PPA).

A sheep was slaughtered on the beach on Friday in a ritual to tackle racism.

Plato has dismissed claims by the security firm that it was working for the city authorities when patrolling the beach at Clifton

"The City of Cape Town is an inclusive city and will always encourage everyone of all demographics to enjoy our public spaces. Our public knows that the city ensures open access to all our public facilities for everyone, and we will not allow any private organisations to limit access to our public spaces," Plato said in a statement. 

"It has become clear over recent days that a security organisation operating at Clifton beach had no authority to ask anyone to leave Clifton beach, that they asked people of all races to leave, and did not single out any race groups. It has also become clear that opportunistic political organisations have ignored this fact to drive a highly divisive and politicised racial agenda. Our beaches will always be open to everyone of all races, locals and visitors alike. 

"Even though some political organisations will exploit any opportunity to drive a racial wedge in our society, this is something we must never allow."

Plato said any person who feels that their rights are infringed upon should please immediately call the city's emergency hotline. 

"I will be visiting our beaches over the next week, as I have in recent weeks, to enjoy the sun and the sand with our communities. Our beaches are open to all and we strive to make them a safe space for everyone who visits."

Meanwhile, former Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, who heads up the newly formed GOOD party, has expressed her shock at the incident. 

"We have long passed the days of curfews and restricted movement. There is no lawful or rational basis for this security company to “shutdown” our beaches at 8 pm or at all. 

This conduct tramples on our hard-won constitutional rights and anyone who was forced to leave the beach should lay criminal charges with the police.

"I’m appalled by the lack of leadership and accountability from Cape Town’s political leadership," De Lille said.