Human Settlements
(1) (a) What is the reason for the Steenvilla housing evictions, (b) how many tenants are being evicted, (c) what alternative accommodation has been made available for them and (d) how many tenants are in arrears with their rent;
(2) whether he intervened and helped break the hunger strike by the tenants who had slept outside the Provincial Parliament in the cold for days; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
[1] [a] During March 2016, a small group of tenants [about 25] stopped
paying rent. SOHCO has instituted programmes to assist tenants who find themselves in financial hardship. In the interest of fairness, SOHCO cannot allow tenants who have made no effort to contact them and who either not paying or have built up substantial arrears to remain in occupation.
[b] 22 [Twenty-two]
[c] As a last resort the company was obliged to institute legal proceedings.The High Court issued an eviction order with no requirement for alternative accommodation.
I am satisfied that SOHCO has demonstrated their commitment to alleviate the financial burden of payment as far as possible.
[d] As at February 2018, the rate collection rate in Steenvilla stood at about 85%. The remaining 15% who are in arrears have already made payment arrangements with the company.
[2] My department respects the judgement of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal in the Steenvilla matter and took no further action in this regard.
Given this very unfortunate situation, my department will consider those who were evicted, and who have registered with the City of Cape Town Housing Demand Database. The applicants will, however be required to meet the housing subsidy criteria.
