The Hangberg community leaders handed over a peace memorandum against evictions to SAPS in Hout Bay, since the City of Cape Town was not present to receive the document on Sunday.
Leader of Gatvol Cape Town, Fadiel Adams says it was important for his organisation to stand in solidarity with the mense of Hangberg and participate in the handing over of the memorandum.
“Part of the memorandum that was handed over to SAPS in the absence of the City, demands an end to the demolition of people’s homes and evictions. The memorandum also calls for proper spatial planning,” says Fadiel.
He shows dissatisfaction with the way in which SAPS handled the protest.
“We are not satisfied with the way in which SAPS handled the protest. They prevented us from approaching Hout Bay Circle, the reasons are obvious. We are not allowed to protest where white people can see.”
He continues, “Our freedom of movement has been restricted. Though we do understand the COVID argument, the argument wasn’t used when they put our people out,” he adds.
Leader of Gatvol Cape Town, Fadiel Adams
SAPS' Noloyiso Rwexana says that a group of about 100 members of the community, consisting mostly of children, intended to march to Hout Bay SAPS.
Due to the Disaster Management Act, pertaining to the prohibition of groupings, the group was then requested to return to their homes.
“Police and other Law enforcement agencies then gave the leadership of the protest an opportunity to hand over the memorandum. The memorandum was received by a representative from the Human Rights Commission who accepted it and promised to give it to the City Of Cape Town,” says Noloyiso.
Fadiel says that a shutdown of the metro is on the table if their demands are not adhered to.
“The ball is now firmly in the City of Cape Town’s court, but they’re probably going to do what they normally do; ignore our legitimate protests. We do have other strike-action planned. Amongst them is a shutdown of the metro in support of the people of Hout Bay,” he says.
Mayoral committee member of Cape Town, JP Smith says that last week the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major Gen Mpumelelo Manci gave an instruction that the Cluster Commander of Wynberg Cluster must receive the memorandum. Therefore, the City of Cape Town was not present.