Pilgrim's Rest: High Court grants interdict

The North Gauteng High Court today granted an interim interdict against the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport preventing it from evicting Pilgrim's Rest business owners from their premises. 

The interdict, temporary as it may be, flies in the face of government's arrogance and unwillingness to engage with all stakeholders during this delicate process. This is also a resounding victory for business owners, and over 130 workers, whose families would have been left destitute, had the evictions gone ahead on 31 July.

While the legal battle for Pilgrim's Rest is far from over, today's interdict paves the way for the review of the tender process that was followed, and we are confident of the continued functioning of this historic landmark in the interim. The greater public can rest assured that the DA will continue to work closely with Pilgrim's Rest business owners, residents, and the department to find an amicable solution to the challenges facing Pilgrim's Rest, including the empowerment of all communities. 

The DA believes that responsibility and accountability have to be shouldered. To this end, the Head of Department Mr Kgopane Mohlasedi, as accounting officer, must be held fully responsible for the non-transparent process, as well as the ill treatment and ruthless eviction notices served on those who did not deserve it. 

Statement issued by Anthony Benadie MPL, DA Mpumalanga leader, July 26 2012

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