Families’ 8-year battle for housing is over

Families who had been occupying a community hall in Gugulethu after an eight-year battle have finally been relocated by the City of Cape Town. In 2018, a group of backyarders took over open land in NY112, with their shacks repeatedly demolished. An eviction order from the High Court followed, and after heavy rains in June 2018, the group moved into the Luyolo Community Centre in NY126.

Initially, about 80 people lived in the hall, but most eventually left. In the final phase, the last 30 residents were moved to a temporary relocation area (TRA) in Mfuleni over the weekend. Ntombekhaya Maputa, one of the residents, expressed relief at leaving the hall due to unbearable living conditions. The hall had a damaged roof and ceiling, blocked toilets, and was cold in winter.

Maputa now has flushable toilets and awaits connection to electricity at the TRA site. The TRA resembles the earlier stages of Blikkiesdorp TRA, featuring rows of zinc shacks and standalone flush toilets. Wooden electricity poles are erected but remain unconnected. Gugulethu Sport Council chairperson Nceba Sandlana spearheaded the relocation effort, as sports clubs and groups had been unable to use the space for years.

Sandlana hopes the reopening of Luyolo Hall will restore access to sports, recreation, and community programs. Mayco member for human settlements Carl Pophaim confirmed the eight families have been moved to the Bosasa Link temporary relocation area, with the City verifying their status on the Housing Needs Register. Efforts to secure housing projects for the residents are ongoing, and discussions with Eskom continue for formal electricity supply.