 | Drakenstein Municipality is against farmworker evictions
20 September 2024 | Press Releases |
20 September 2024
Drakenstein Municipality wants to make it clear that it does not support farmworker evictions, neither does it evict farmworkers.
In fact, the Municipality goes out of its way to intervene and assist in negotiations to avoid farmworker evictions. Its councillors and officials regularly meet with farm owners in the Drakenstein area, as well as engage with the relevant parties when potential problems are brought to their attention.
The Municipality is not always aware that an eviction will be taking place; that is why it has a good relationship with the sheriffs in Drakenstein, whom the Municipality has requested to inform it promptly if they are going to enforce a court order. The Municipality maintains this relationship because it wishes to engage with the evictees beforehand to determine which type of assistance it can provide. It always strives to avoid situations where an eviction takes place without sufficient notice.
When it comes to providing housing opportunities to disadvantaged rural dwellers, Drakenstein Municipality is more generous than other municipalities in the Western Cape. The Municipality reserves 20% of all new opportunities for rural dwellers.
In the case of Eric Lolo
Mr Eric Lolo qualified for housing assistance in terms of this rural quota, but despite having been invited, never registered himself on the Municipality's database.
The Municipality had offered Mr Lolo alternative accommodation in Simondium, Paarl, including relocation assistance. Initially he demanded that the offer of alternative accommodation be placed before the Magistrates' Court. Later, after various site inspections, Mr Lolo's attorneys complained of drainage problems on the site, and an alternative site was offered by the Municipality. After further site inspections, Mr Lolo's attorneys indicated that he wished to take his family to view the site over the following weekend, after which he would advise whether the site was acceptable.
Over the ensuing month the Municipality attempted repeatedly to ascertain whether Mr Lolo would accept the alternative site. About six weeks later, Mr Lolo again said that he wished to take his family to see the site. A few days later, Mr Lolo through his attorneys – without providing any explanation – rejected the alternative site.
Taking its responsibility to provide emergency housing seriously
Should a farm eviction order in Drakenstein be granted, Drakenstein Municipality is normally cited as a respondent in court applications relating to farm evictions and then ordered by the court to provide alternative emergency accommodation to these evictees.
While this costs the Municipality money and takes up housing sites that could have been offered to impoverished groups, the Municipality has always taken its responsibility to provide emergency housing seriously. The standard of emergency housing in Drakenstein has also historically been above the minimum guidelines specifications provided by National Government.
Drakenstein Municipality has always adhered to court orders, fulfilled its obligations, and provided emergency accommodation when required.
Emergency accommodation is, however, a direct failing by National Government to adequately plan for and fulfil its Constitutional mandate of providing access to housing in terms of Section 26 of the Constitution. Unfortunately, local government is too often the scapegoat for the failures of other spheres of government.
[ENDS]
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
