An application by the City of Cape Town to evict dozens of people living in and around Hope Street Park in Gardens, Cape Town, is before the Western Cape High Court.
Housing rights organisation Ndifuna Ukwazi NU, representing the people living around the park, has filed a counter-application, stating that the City needs to provide alternative accommodation in accordance with the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Illegal Occupation of Land Act PIE.
NU attorney Inga Dyantyi said the City had applied for an eviction order on 1 July 2024, and had responded to NU that it would move the people to its Safe Spaces sites. But NU argues these do not constitute suitable alternative accommodation, as the rules these sites do not uphold peoples constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of movement.
Safe Spaces lock people out at 8am and allow them back at 5pm. Entry is barred after 8pm.