Minister Sisulu extends the term of the Enquiry on Nomzamo (Lwandle) evictions

03 Aug 2014

The Honourable Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Human Settlements has granted the request by the Chairperson of the Enquiry to extend the term of the Enquiry to 30 September 2014.

The extension was necessitated by the large volume of written submissions received, and the extensive interest shown by stakeholders, including members of the affected community, to participate in the process.

The Ministerial Enquiry was appointed by the Minister to investigate the evictions at Nomzamo (Lwandle) in Cape Town on 2 and 3 June 2014.

The mandate of the Enquiry includes to:

(i) Investigate all the circumstances under which the evictions took place, and the history of the evictions, including the facts leading to the application for and obtaining of the court order on 24 January 2014 by SANRAL; the execution of the said court order by SANRAL; the role of the relevant Sheriff for the jurisdiction of Cape Town; the roles of the law enforcement officials of the South African Police Services, the Cape Town Metro Police and any other official of the national, provincial and local government involved and any other person;

(ii) Establish the identity of the affected members of the informal settlement community of Lwandle, how the community came to be on the land in question when there is a waiting list for the provision of housing in terms of government programmes.

(iii) Report on its investigation and findings; and

(iv) Make necessary recommendations to the Minister for consideration"

On conclusion of its work the Enquiry will submit a comprehensive report with clear recommendations to the Minister.

Statement issued by Vusi Tshose, Department of Human Settlements, August 4 2014

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