ANC promises to fight WC evictions

“The Western Cape government has consistently shown it does not care about poorer people – whether black or white,” said ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte.

Following a meeting with residents from affected communities at the party’s Cape Town office, Duarte – who was in the province to evaluate the ANC’s progress – briefed journalists on plans to assist communities in taking on local and provincial government.

“There is a clear draconian attitude towards poor people living in Cape Town,” said Duarte of the city and government.

“We need to push the Western Cape government to be be more people orientated.”

Duarte highlighted the case of eviction notices issued to residents of South Road in Plumstead and Wynberg.

In the early 2000’s, the City of Cape Town had issued the eviction notices to families who lived along the route. The City plans to demolish the council homes to make way for phase two of the MyCiTi bus route.

Following an outcry from residents, the City halted its plans. However, last year residents were again issued with eviction notices and in December demolition began prematurely.

Residents formed the South Road Families Association (SRFA) and took the matter to the Western Cape High Court to prevent the demolition of 30 homes.

On October 12 a judge ruled that the city had acted improperly and all plans had to be put on hold pending sufficient and “meaningful” public consultation.

The city is seeking leave to appeal the ruling.

Duarte said she found it interesting that the proposed MyCiTi route did not touch the “wealthier area of Constantia”. She added that the manner in which the City dealt with evictions was inhumane and in contravention of the “national perspective on human rights”.

“We are going to support them in their fight,” said Duarte, “The ANC will fight with them for the retention of their homes.”

Welcoming the move, SRFA treasurer Laurie Peregrino said the City was simply looking to exploit the poor in order to make profit.

“What the City is doing at the moment is taking people out of their existing habitat because they want to make money off it,” he said.

“It looks to me like they [the City] are declaring war on the poor.”

Peregrino said the City was targetting residents who were allegedly in arrears, such as those living in Naruna estate in Plumstead. He added that residents had been asked to re-sign lease agreements as there was no end date to their occupation.

Peregrino said residents had been informed they would move to Pelican Park, a move they outright rejected.