EFF Western Cape condemns the evictions on Castle of Good Hope
4 November 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Western Cape firmly condemns the recent eviction of homeless individuals from Cape Town's streets and the demolition of over a hundred structures by the Democratic Alliance (DA)-Ied City of Cape Town government. This heartless action, taken without a comprehensive plan to address homelessness, underscores a disregard for human dignity and reveals a pattern of systemic inequality that the city perpetuates through its policies.
These evictions followed a court order sought by the City of Cape Town, reflecting a government that prioritizes tourist attractions over the welfare of its most vulnerable residents. The homelessness crisis in Cape Town is not merely a current social issue but a consequence of deeply rooted colonial legacies. The city's spatial planning policies historically isolated Black communities from economic centers, creating structural barriers that prevent access to essential services, economic opportunities, and fair living conditions. Occupations within the city are, therefore, an attempt by marginalized individuals to reclaim access to resources and improve their quality of life.
Rather than addressing homelessness through sustainable, inclusive solutions, the city's approach has been to criminalize poverty. With abundant resources at its disposal, it is unacceptable that Cape Town fails to uphold the basic needs and rights of its citizens. Instead of taking punitive action, the city should prioritize effective policies that focus on providing affordable housing, social services, and healthcare support.
Furthermore, the so-called "Safe Space" shelters the city offers are inadequate and often in deplorable condition, with reports of inhumane treatment. These shelters, with only 1,070 bed spaces across Cape Town City Centre, Bellville and Durbanville, are grossly insufficient given the estimated homeless population of 6,600 by the city's own admission and estimation, with the Western Cape Provincial government estimates as high as 14,000 individuals. This mismatch clearly indicates that these evictions are not a solution but a shortsighted attempt to sweep the crisis out of sight.
The EFF calls for an immediate halt to these evictions and demands the implementation of comprehensive policies that address homelessness with dignity, compassion, and justice. The City of Cape Town must recognize its responsibility to protect and uplift all its citizens, rather than fostering a hostile environment that prioritizes business interests over basic human rights. It is time for a humane approach that truly considers the needs of Cape Town's people and confronts the historical injustices still visible in today's spatial and economic inequalities.
We call upon the DA government to focus on releasing available parcels of land and buildings to develop mixed income and social housing in and around the CBD and to fix all of its derelict buildings to accommodate homeless people.
Issued by Unathi Ntame, Provincial Chairperson, EFF, 4 November 2024
