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9 hours ago
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Officials are continuing evictions at the City of Ekurhuleni-owned Pharoe Park flats in Germiston where many people are unlawfully occupying homes.
- Ekurhuleni officials are evicting residents allegedly occupying flats unlawfully, citing non-payment and an eviction order from June.
- Long-term tenants accuse authorities of broken promises and lack of consultation, with some resisting evictions.
- Officials are planning further evictions in other city-owned complexes like Delville and Airport Park.
Officials are continuing evictions at the City of Ekurhuleni-owned Pharoe Park flats in Germiston, where many people are allegedly unlawfully occupying homes.
“Where we are now is 440 units designed for rental stock. So anyone who occupies here has to pay rental,” said MMC for Human Settlements Kgopelo Hollo.
He said the building has an income threshold of R14 000, but many are not even listed as owners and are not meant to be on the property.
Hollo claims alternative accommodation has been provided at the city hall.
An eviction order was granted in June, which the residents were aware of, he added.
This is the second round of evictions after many were removed from the Pharoe Park flats on Tuesday, leading to two people being arrested after they allegedly set a Home Affairs office in Germiston alight.
The roof of the building collapsed, leaving many without services.
Misconceptions regarding the status of their housing dominated the evictions at the Pharoe Park flats on Wednesday.
Tshepiso Nogwaza, who was evicted from the block said:
We’ve been staying here for more than 21 years. All three of my kids grew up here. We never refused to pay rent. We are fighting for our RDP houses, which we were told in five years’ time we will have.
She and other residents yelled at Hollo outside the gates of the block of flats, which security prevented them from accessing. They accused him of not consulting the community before evicting.
“We are here today, fighting for our kids,” she continued.
Multiple residents locked their doors and burglar-proof gates, attempting to prevent the eviction.
In teams of seven, armed with crowbars, the officials broke open the gates and kicked down the wooden doors before throwing blankets, cupboards and other household items into the parking area.
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Seemingly prepared for their inevitable fate, other residents used the night to pack their belongings.
In a morbid display of graciousness, the City officials mandated to carry out the evictions assisted them in carrying the items to moving trucks organised by residents.
Hollo says that this is only the beginning of the planned evictions from city-owned flats, with Delville and Airport Park, following soon.
“I’ve got five complexes, only one I’m happy [with],” he said, referring to Chris Hani Village in Germiston. “Delville. Airport park, I’m coming. It’s worse [at Airport Park]. They don’t pay at all.”
Hollo sent a strong message to the residents of Airport Park: “If they know what’s good for them, if you know you are illegally occupying our flats, please leave.”
