Residents march for ‘houses, better services’

Patricia Britz was vocal at the march.

A group of residents from the greater Retreat area showed their dismay with service delivery and the area’s housing manager with a placard protest.

The group, under the banner of the United Homeless People Development Association (UHPDA), marched from Prince George Drive to the housing office on Tuesday September 10, chanting “We deserve houses and better services”.

The group of about 60 people signed a petition and memorandum to have the housing office manager, Hillary Goliath, removed following some evictions and other concerns and grievances the residents have.

Sheila Jacobs claimed the manager has not been helpful to residents who were affected by evictions. “Ms Goliath is ill-disciplined, unhelpful and does not consider residents’ circumstances and belittles residents. She does not come up with solutions to problems that people bring to her attention,” she claimed.

Ms Jacobs read the petition at the march and demanded that an investigation be opened. “If a resolution is not found, the City needs to replace her with someone who is fair and someone who knows how to work with our people. We are not animals and she has no humanity. “

Howard Soetwater from UHPDA said Ms Goliath has to be removed because she does not serve the people of the community.

The memorandum was handed over to Ms Goliath who signed it.

The march was also to address the eviction of Cafda resident Benita Maans and her three children in August this year.

Ms Maans looked after her bed-ridden father who died in 2016. However, before he died they went to the housing office to request the transfer of the lease to her name but this was not successful.

The matter was heard in court and she was then evicted.

“Why must our children suffer like this? Our coloured people are suffering and nothing is being done to help us. I work and try to give them the best life I can by working but the City has come up against me. I thank the community for standing by me and plead for assistance,” said Ms Maans.

Ms Jacobs said the City’ has proved they are not willing to show humanity. “They still live with the apartheid rules putting our people on the street,” said Ms Jacobs.

Felicity Purchase, the acting Mayco member for human settlements, said the City is aware of Ms Maans’ situation and has been engaging with her since 2016.

“The City of Cape Town’s public housing department has followed the prescribed legal processes and regulatory policies in addressing the unlawful occupancy of the property. In July 2016 a notice to vacate was served on all unlawful occupants in the unit. Failing to vacate and following various warnings, an eviction order for unlawful occupancy was granted by the court in November 2018 and was carried out by the Sheriff of the Court on August 13 2019,” said Ms Purchase.

She said eviction is always a last resort and follows various forms of warning.

She also said Ms Maans had erected an illegal permanent structure on the premises which had to be dismantled.

The dwelling has since been let to a new tenant who took occupation of the dwelling after the eviction.

Ms Purchase said a family member of the original household is permitted to continue living in rental stock and will be considered subject to them qualifying in terms of the City’s criteria.

Responding to the claims about the housing office’s manager Ms Purchase said Ms Goliath has the responsibility of implementing the approved policies of the City and is required to take the necessary action in terms of these policies.

“Should residents not qualify for the dwelling which they occupy and Ms Goliath informs them as such, it’s common for residents to perceive that as her being rude to them. Ms Goliath has worked for the City for more than 40 years and she is aware that treating residents with respect is of utmost importance. Under no circumstances is she rude or does she belittle residents,” Ms Purchase said.