There have been a number of attempts within the City of Cape Town to illegally occupy land. These attempts are in direct contravention of the current lockdown and COVID -19 regulations. A piece of land in Khayelitsha is currently under threat of being illegally invaded and occupied. This attempted illegal occupation is in direct contempt of a court order obtained by the City. It must be made clear no eviction is taking place and only incomplete, unoccupied and illegally built structures are being removed.
Video footage has appeared on social media incorrectly labelling these operations as ‘evictions’.
The City has to act fairly and recognise all of the other communities who have been waiting patiently for the delivery of services. This is especially important in light of the enormous increase in land invasions across the metro over the past months.
Some people see the lockdown as an opportunity to illegally and unlawfully occupy land without the permission of the landowner. This is concerning as it shows a disrespect for the rights of the owner but more importantly, goes against a direct instruction of the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Similar to other municipalities, the City will continue to protect its land and will remove incomplete and unoccupied illegal structures.
The illegal occupation of vacant land during this period may have dire consequences. These illegal settlements have no access to services which is a great concern because of the serious health and hygiene, fire, flood and safety risks. We can see the effects of illegal invasions in pockets across the metro and especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has a detrimental effect on the City’s mandate to provide housing to its most vulnerable residents and rightful beneficiaries.
After such an illegal invasion and illegal occupation of the City’s land or private land, the City’s resources are further placed under pressure due to the subsequent demand for services which sometimes go hand in hand with violent protests and the destruction of City assets which places even more pressure on the City’s resources. Surely this cannot be acceptable to the residents of Cape Town who await their opportunity or to those paying their monthly rates and taxes.
The City is sensitive to the need for housing but the actions of these people are mostly opportunistic especially during the time of the COVID-19 lockdown. I ask the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service to assist in upholding the law during the national lockdown.
I implore community leaders and influencers in communities to help us to drive awareness. We cannot have this situation now especially as we are trying to create healthier spaces for our fight against COVID-19.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Councillor Malusi Booi, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 5156 or Cell: 071 728 3512, Email: Malusi.Booi@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)