Court Orders Eviction of Castle of Good Hope Occupants by 17 October, Says Public Works Minister Macpherson

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed a recent Western Cape High Court order that mandates the eviction of unlawful occupants from the Castle of Good Hope. The court has set 17 October 2024 as the deadline for the occupants to vacate the property, after which eviction measures may be enforced if necessary.

The City of Cape Town has extended an offer to the occupants, encouraging them to relocate to its Safe Space facilities, which provide dignified transitional shelter. These facilities offer a range of services, including warm beds, meals, ablution amenities, access to medical care, substance abuse treatment, and employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The goal is to help individuals transition off the streets.

Minister Macpherson emphasized the significance of the eviction order for Cape Town’s economy, especially with the upcoming summer tourism season. He stressed that public assets like the Castle of Good Hope should be preserved for public use and not left to decay, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unlawful occupation of state properties, he noted, not only leads to vandalism but also exacerbates crime and grime in the surrounding areas.

“The Castle of Good Hope is a crucial part of South Africa’s history and must be safeguarded for future generations to learn from. It also plays an essential role in Cape Town’s tourism industry, which helps drive the local economy and create much-needed jobs,” Macpherson said.

The Minister is set to tour the Grand Parade near the Castle of Good Hope, as well as the Hout Bay Harbour, alongside Cape Town’s Executive Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis. He will also address the media on efforts by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to tackle the issue of hijacked and decayed state-owned properties in the city.

Macpherson expressed his commitment to working with municipalities across South Africa to revitalize state assets and contribute to economic growth. He announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor of eThekwini and looks forward to finalizing a similar agreement with the City of Cape Town to address the issue of deteriorating state-owned properties.

“Let’s build South Africa together. I am dedicated to transforming the country into a construction site, using public assets for the public good,” he concluded.