The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the City of Cape Town’s efforts to evict illegal land occupiers from several public sites in the central business district.
It is important to note that the City is providing alternative accommodation and care, and that eviction is a last resort where people have refused help.
We share the City’s view that City-sponsored transitional shelter, which comes with social services, is more in line with our human rights culture than allowing people to remain on the streets where they are often at great risk.
In addition, these growing settlements present a security risk to CBD pedestrians and nearby residents. As a Chamber, we are also concerned about illegal occupations impacting negatively on tourism and business opportunities.
Some of these settlements are close to popular tourist destinations, notably the Castle of Good Hope which is owned by the National Department of Public Works. The City has reportedly tried to address this matter with the Department, to no avail.
We are mindful of what happened to the Johannesburg CBD in the absence of enforcement of City bylaws.
The City of Cape Town is correct to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.
We urge NGOs currently assisting the homeless to partner with the City to provide care and support at City-run shelters. In this way, social development role players can ensure assistance is provided to those in need, which might also help destitute people reintegrate into society.
Jacques Moolman
President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry
