‘Tent city’ final eviction order

The Western Cape High Court last Tuesday granted a final eviction order in the City of Cape Town’s application over the unlawful occupation of the public space next to Green Point tennis courts.

The residents have until Wednesday January 31 to vacate the now fenced off area, which is just across from the Sea Point police station.

According to Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell, the City has provided social assistance and care interventions to those living there.

“The squatters have to remove themselves from the property by the end of January. The City has and will offer accommodation to them, we have safe spaces and other shelters for those that accept our assistance,” said Ms Jowell.

“The sheriff of the court will manage the process of eviction and the sports complex will be used for the community sports as it should be. We are grateful to the community members who have supported us with this matter,” she said

The City is also waiting for the High Court's decision on a final eviction order for various homeless encampment sites in the CBD, such as in Buitengracht Street, FW De Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, at the taxi rank and Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, the Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue, and Mill Street Bridge.

“Where offers of help to get off the streets have been persistently refused, we are seeking the court’s help as a last resort. No person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs, while indefinitely refusing all offers of shelter and social assistance,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The City says its Safe Space model includes dignified shelter; comfort and ablutions; two meals per day; access to a social worker on-site; personal development planning; various social services including identity document and social grant assistance; family reunification services; access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment; skills training; help finding a job, and access to Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work placement.