GOOD Statement by Johnathan Cupido,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
16 July 2024
The GOOD party welcomes the City of Cape Town’s about-turn on their inhumane and unlawful attempt to evict Shelley Road residents and to sell their homes right from under their feet.
Late last month, the residents in Salt River received notices from the City informing them that their tenancy and leases might be terminated due to the intention to sell the houses.
Since then, GOOD has been working tirelessly to address the issue, both through direct communication with City officials and eventually with a motion to the Council via the Speaker when we received no satisfactory response.
GOOD raised concern not only over the lack of consultation with residents, but also the fact that residents were not given the first option to purchase, or in appropriate cases, get a transfer of the homes.
There was also no public participation process related to the sale of these houses and the sale has not yet been before Council for approval.
We, therefore, welcome yesterday’s announcement by the City, addressing the above-mentioned issues. But the blatant dishonesty of the City’s leadership is extremely disappointing.
The City was not following due process, as claimed in their media statement, and clearly had no intention to assist occupants in potentially owning these units.
Only now that their unlawful actions have been exposed does the City want to pretend that the hand-delivered letters did not mean what they said.
There is only one meaning to: “You are hereby requested to vacate the subject property by no later than 31 July 2024”.
GOOD persists with its motion to Council that the City must:
1. Immediately withdraw the letters of eviction;
2. Transfer the houses to those who qualify;
3. Offer them for sale at reduced market rates to those who don’t qualify for direct transfer after decades of renting;
4. Confirm none of the tenants will be evicted.
Media Enquiries:
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za
Johnathan Cupido, GOOD COCT Councillor
Cell: 084 865 8122
Email: jonathanc@forgood.org.za