- The group of people occupying the tennis court in Green Point have until tomorrow (Wednesday 7 February) to vacate the site.
- If the group refuses to leave the City of Cape Town will take further action
- Luthando Tyhalibongo, Spokesperson for the City, said: “The City will follow due process in terms of the Court order, which enables the Sheriff to conduct an eviction of remaining unlawful occupants no earlier than (Wednesday) 7 February.
The group of people occupying the tennis court in Green Point have until tomorrow (Wednesday 7 February) to vacate the site.
If the group refuses to leave the City of Cape Town will take further action
Luthando Tyhalibongo, Spokesperson for the City, said: “The City will follow due process in terms of the Court order, which enables the Sheriff to conduct an eviction of remaining unlawful occupants no earlier than (Wednesday) 7 February.
“There is a standing offer of dignified transitional shelter to unlawful occupants.”’
But some of the occupiers said they have nowhere to go.
Andy Petersen (45) says he is willing to accept alternative accommodation but adds that he will not move into a shelter because “It’s like a prison”.
Norman Kwesaba (59) said he will not be leaving as he does “odd jobs” in and around Sea Point.
Late last year the Western Cape High Court granted a final eviction order in the City’s application regarding the unlawful occupation at the tennis courts in Green Point.
The order includes a standing interdict against any further unlawful occupation at the courts, and further city-owned public spaces identified in the order.
The group had until Wednesday 31 January to vacate the property. This date has now been extended until Wednesday 7 February.
The final eviction order follows efforts over time by the City to offer social assistance and care interventions to those persons unlawfully occupying the public space at the tennis courts, including access to dignified transitional shelter at NGO-run night shelters and City-run Safe Spaces.
According to the City, in line with the order, dignified transitional shelter at City-run Safe Spaces is available for those requiring this service.
The City says it has gone to great lengths to extend offers of care to individuals unlawfully occupying public places in and around Sea Point.
Carlos Mesquita, founder Outsider an organisation that assists people living on the street, said: “The City keeps saying there are offers on the table. These are unacceptable offers.
“They have gone back on their offer of transitional spaces and there is no way we are going to be able to help even a quarter of those currently living in this community.”
Mesquita said his organisation has been able assist 15 people at the site with accommodation.
“Although we have managed to accommodate 15 of the 19 individuals in and around the tent city in Green Point which we felt deserved to be accommodated in transitional accommodation that was affordable enough for them to cover daily as of 1 March, there are still four of the original 19 that we can still not accommodate due to a shortage of funds.”
Mesquita appeals for donations to help assist the group.
