A recent City of Cape Town operation, including the removal of newly erected and unoccupied structures in District Six, has sparked outrage from civil society, with allegations of illegal evictions and dangerous conduct, while City officials maintain that their actions were both lawful and necessary.
On Thursday, June 18, the City targeted the parking lots at the corner of Tennant and Sydney Streets, and Van Deleur Street, in District Six, to remove informal structures.
Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU), an urban advocacy group, condemned the operation as a "violent" return to apartheid-era tactics, arguing that homes were destroyed without warning or valid court orders. Founded in 2011, NU advocates for urban land justice, spatial equality, and affordable housing for poor and working-class families.
NU spokeswoman Yusrah Bardien said that heavy-duty construction vehicles were used to break down structures and recounted a harrowing witness report of a removal truck hoisting a structure while a person was still inside it.
The organisation claims the man fell from the clamp during the hoist. In response, the municipality has firmly denied these allegations.
They have nine affidavits of people, claiming that their homes were damaged, property taken and that they have nowhere to go.
"I lost my personal documentation, household appliances, my gas stove and tank," read one.
Another reads that they were evicted from their homes without notice and that they were harassed.
The City stated that the operation was carried out in accordance with a 2021 High Court order that prohibits the unlawful occupation of District Six sites and authorises the removal of newly erected or extended structures.
"It is important to note that no occupied structures were removed - only newly erected or unoccupied structures," read their response.
Addressing the incident involving the injured man, the City described the allegations as "unfounded."
According to the City, the man was found inside a structure and appeared to be under the influence of substances and suffering from low blood sugar.
The City stated that an ambulance was called to provide medical assistance for the man’s condition, rather than to treat injuries from a collision with equipment.
The Sydney Street site has been a flashpoint for years.
NU claims the City’s approach shows a "disregard for the law," pointing to previous litigation over evictions in 2021 and 2022.
The City maintains that intensified enforcement is required due to a "significant increase in newly erected and abandoned structures" throughout District Six and the resulting deterioration of the sites.
"The land in question forms part of the District Six land restitution claims and is reserved for the purposes of that development.
"It must be noted that yesterday was not the first occasion on which the interdict was enforced. The Displaced People Unit and Law Enforcement have been operating in the District Six area for some time, removing newly erected and abandoned structures," read their response.
NU said that the incident remained a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding homelessness and land use in Cape Town.
They are urging the government to prioritise suitable alternative accommodation and a more humane approach to those living in extreme poverty.
"In the current eviction matter, Ndifuna Ukwazi is not opposing the eviction but instead is asking the City to provide suitable alternative accommodation," read their press release.
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