Cape town: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Western Cape High Court ruling granting the City of Cape Town, in partnership with the Departments of Home Affairs and Public Works and Infrastructure, authority to serve eviction notices at the Wingfield and Paint City sites in Bellville.
According to South African Government News Agency, this decision follows the COVID-19 lockdown period when groups of people were relocated to these two sites after being removed from Greenmarket Square and the Central Methodist Church in Cape Town's city center. While many individuals accepted support and reintegration, approximately 160 people remained at Wingfield and 200 at Paint City, rejecting assistance and demanding relocation abroad. The government stated that these requests were not legally feasible.
The Minister emphasized that the ruling showcases the importance of collaboration between national and local government entities. By working together with the City and the Department of Home Affairs, a decisive step has been taken towards restoring these sites and ensuring the protection and beneficial use of state-owned assets for the public. Macpherson reiterated the government's commitment to reclaiming state assets and repurposing them for public good, stressing that no individual has the legal right to unlawfully occupy state land or claim public buildings and land as their own.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted that the evictions will alleviate financial burdens on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which currently incurs significant monthly costs to maintain tents and facilities at these locations. This will allow for the reallocation of funds towards essential infrastructure and service delivery.
The ruling empowers the sheriff of the court, in collaboration with government partners, to serve eviction notices to those currently occupying the sites. Macpherson stated that this process aims to transform these sites into productive spaces that support community development.