As winter arrives, Cape Town’s homeless shelters are already overwhelmed, and a recent court ruling may intensify the strain.
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The Western Cape High Court has issued a final eviction order for the homeless to vacate the Cape Town CBD by 30 July, relocating them to the City’s Safe Space shelters.
This order targets various unlawful occupation hotspots, including Buitengracht Street, FW de Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, the Foreshore taxi rank, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue and Mill Street Bridge. It also imposes a standing interdict against further unlawful occupation of these and other city-owned public spaces.
In February 2023, the court granted the City an interim order requiring eviction notices at these hotspots.
The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns led to an increase in destitute residents, particularly in the Cape Town CBD, where street sleeping has surged.
Starting 30 July, the Sheriff of the Court can evict anyone unlawfully residing in the CBD.
Haven Night Shelter CEO Shaddie Valayadum said that shelters are at capacity but are still trying to accommodate more people.
Valayadum noted that evicted individuals would be directed to the City’s Safe Spaces programme.
U-Turn Homeless Ministries CEO Jean-Ray Knighton Fitt praised the City’s efforts to increase Safe Spaces and shelter beds.
He emphasised the need for adequate daytime rehabilitative interventions to prevent people from becoming stuck in shelters or returning to the streets. Without such support, bed spaces will quickly be exhausted.
The ruling authorises the eviction of up to 2 000 people.
It states that the City has the right and obligation to ensure public spaces are used appropriately and to provide suitable alternative accommodations for homeless individuals.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis mentioned that social development officials had repeatedly offered assistance, including transitional shelter at night shelters and Safe Spaces, to those unlawfully occupying public spaces.
The City plans to invest over R220 million in the next three years to expand and operate Safe Space shelters, adding to the existing 770 beds across the CBD, Bellville and Durbanville.
A new 300-bed Safe Space in Green Point is set to open soon.
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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images