City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed his approval of the recent eviction order granted by the Western Cape High Court.
The order mandates the removal of homeless people from the Central Business District (CBD) in Cape Town, prohibiting unlawful occupation of public spaces starting from August 1, 2024.
Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasized that the city has made significant efforts to provide dignified transitional shelters for the homeless population. These shelters, known as the city’s ‘safe spaces,’ offer dormitory-style accommodation with bunk beds.
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Residents in these spaces receive two hot meals per day, ensuring their basic nutritional needs are met.
Beyond basic accommodation and meals, the city’s safe spaces are equipped with various support services. A social worker is available on-site every day to offer care and assistance. Additionally, a nursing sister visits once a week to attend to health issues.
The facilities also include referrals for addiction and alcohol treatment, helping residents on their path to recovery.
The city has also integrated a range of training programs within these shelters. These programs aim to assist homeless individuals in job finding and acquiring essential identification documents.
According to Hill-Lewis, these facilities have been developed over the past two years to offer comprehensive support, demonstrating the city’s long-term commitment to addressing homelessness.
Mayor Hill-Lewis’s endorsement of the eviction order is grounded in the belief that these measures, combined with the support offered at the city’s safe spaces, will provide a more structured and dignified solution for the homeless population in Cape Town’s CBD.
This excerpt of the High Court judgment is worth reading, esp. para 7.
I’m really encouraged by these comments on the City’s efforts on homelessness. We have worked so hard at this these last two years, and to see that new approach recognised by the High Court is heartening. pic.twitter.com/bKFwe2oAXa
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) June 20, 2024
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