The standoff between Green Point Tennis Court occupiers and the City of Cape Town ended with a peaceful resolution, and a practical way forward.
What will happen to the Green Point tennis court occupiers now?
At least, most of the homeless groups that occupied the sports venue would agree.
In a statement, the City’s media office explained that a mutually beneficial agreement was reached with the majority of occupiers, who, after a recent round of talks, have shown readiness to embrace various offers of shelter and social assistance.
“The majority of the remaining occupants have accepted either an offer of dignified transitional shelter, or of emergency housing kits to be erected on land where the necessary permission is in place from the landowner,” the City’s statement read.
As per the Western Cape High Court’s order, Green Point tennis court occupiers have until the end of Wednesday to vacate the area. Failure to adhere to the ruling will force the City to initiate forceful evictions “in the coming days under the court’s direction, via the sheriff and SAPS, with City social development officials, law enforcement, playing supportive roles.”
“The court order further includes a standing interdict against any re-occupation at the courts, as well as further city-owned public spaces identified in the order,” the City revealed.
Eviction orders still pending on these CBD homeless camps
Parallel to the resolution at Green Point, the City of Cape Town is entangled in a vigorous legal battle to address similar issues within the CBD.
Homeless camps scattered across prominent locations, including Buitengracht Street, FW De Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, taxi rank and Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue and Mill Street Bridge in the city, are under scrutiny, with the City awaiting a pivotal High Court decision on a final eviction order.
“It is vital that public places must be open and available for all. No person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs, while indefinitely refusing all offers of shelter and social assistance,” Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said
Amidst these challenges, the City is expanding its Safe Space program, a beacon of hope for those striving to escape the cycle of homelessness.
With an investment of R230 million over three years, the initiative aims to extend its reach beyond the current capacity, introducing a new 300-bed facility in Green Point.
These spaces are more than just shelters; they are gateways to personal development, offering meals, social services, and employment opportunities.
“The City has gone to great lengths to extend every offer of care to individuals unlawfully occupying public places in these areas. Accepting social assistance to get off the streets is the best choice for dignity, health, and well-being,” Hill-Lewis added.