The Manenberg residents whose illegal soup kitchen was demolished by the City of Cape Town last week say they are now applying to legally operate on the land.
The newly-formed Al Nur Feeding scheme and Sollaah Khana committee says they are looking into renting the land from the City for 99 years in order to serve their community.
Chairperson Taaliah van der Broeck says: “After the article was published in the Daily Voice, there were a lot of people who came out and wanted to help us.
“We got advice to go through the correct procedures. At the moment we are applying to acquire the land legally.
“The application is still in process and we are sending it next Thursday.”
Last Tuesday, the City demolished two vibracrete structures the group had been using to feed 300 people three times a week.
Mayoral Committee member Malusi Booi said the structures were illegal.
“The City of Cape Town’s Anti Land Invasion Unit removed three unoccupied structures in the area,” he explained.
“The unlawful structures were built on City road reserves.
“These were newly erected unlawful structures.”
City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo added: “There are no talks with residents about a lease agreement. The City cannot condone the erection of illegal structures and the expectation that it will be regularised through a lease agreement.”
Taaliah says in the meantime, they will continue using the madressa and mosque they built behind Dorothy Court in Belinda Road.
“We are using the remaining structures for learning and worship and the soup kitchen is now run from the flats,” she says.
Taaliah says they have learned from their mistakes: “Then we didn’t know anything about the procedures, we are now educated and are trying to do this the right way.”