An anonymous Cape Town family has committed to funding the first phase of the St James coastal walkway extension, bringing the project closer to reality.The donation, made in 2025, allows the city to proceed with planning and approval stages.However, the exact section to be built first remains undetermined, pending the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and public engagement processes.City officials, including mayco member Eddie Andrews, emphasized that the donor family will decide the final phase based on these assessments.Construction timelines are also unclear, as the EIA and public participation processes must be completed before work can begin.

The proposed extension is divided into four sections, with the city collaborating with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to address rail safety concerns.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the donation, highlighting the walkway's importance as a public space and the opportunity to set a long-term vision for the coastal route.The city's goal is to extend the walkway from Muizenberg through St James to Clovelly Corner, enhancing public access to the coastline.