Lobby group Ndifuna Ukwazi said that even though level 3 regulations provided a prohibition on evictions, it was limited.
CAPE TOWN – Forty social justice organisations have written to government to reinstate the blanket ban on evictions.
When lockdown level 5 regulations were implemented, the Justice Minister stated that all evictions and execution of attachment orders would be suspended.
However, the prohibition on evictions has been reduced under lockdown level 3.
The organisations believe that housing is a vital component of the public healthcare response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lobby group Ndifuna Ukwazi said that access to housing was critically important when people needed to self-quarantine or self-isolate.
The group’s Mandisa Shandu said that even though level 3 regulations provided a prohibition on evictions, it was limited.
“The courts are now empowered to grant eviction orders and to grant the execution of those evictions if it’s deemed just and equitable to do so.”
In the letter, the groups said that easing the eviction ban was unreasonable as infections were set to increase, specifically in hotspot areas.
They’re also calling for a full moratorium on evictions and demolitions of homes for the duration of the national state of disaster.
Reprinted from EWN on 4 June 2020. Original links retained. Additional links by SD Law.
We are eviction lawyers in Cape Town and Johannesburg. We act for both landlords and tenants and uphold the rights of each to a fair and satisfactory tenancy. In these uncertain times, we appeal to everyone to act with empathy and compassion. If you are worried about your tenancy or your tenants, contact Simon at Cape Town Eviction Attorneys on 086 099 5146 or email sdippenaar@sdlaw.co.za.
Further reading:
Court clears city on informal settlement evictions amid lockdown
Is it legal to evict anyone during lockdown? No, say legal experts
Ramaphosa called on to stop forced removal of ‘occupiers’ during lockdown
