Blogs

Two evictions have been in the news in Cape Town recently: The violent eviction today of occupiers of unfinished houses in Delft, and the as-yet unresolved application by the provincial government to evict 22 000 people from Joe Slovo informal settlement to make way for the N2 Gateway development. The constitution recognises property rights, but also guarantees rights that limit the ability of owners to enforce their property rights — notably the right to human dignity and the right to access to housing. Today the Costutional Court issued judgment in another landmark eviction case. Click through for discussion and reactions.

Update (21/02): The Delft evictees are appealing for food and water after spending the night out in the open. Sandra Liebenberg writes in the Cape Times Municipalities must consider people's housing rights when planning evictions (behind paywall). Human Rights Commission to probe Delft evictions.